10 September 2025

The DTA has opened registrations for the Digital Governance Program, a mandatory two day program for leaders appointed as Senior Responsible Officials for major digital projects.

The Australian Government’s Major Digital Projects Report highlights the critical importance of digital projects delivering secure, simple and connected services for Australians. Large digital projects are also among the most complex and costly undertakings in the public sector, requiring strong governance and leadership.

Digital Governance Program (DGP) blends expert‑led sessions, interactive board simulations, and peer learning to equip SROs with the tools and confidence to lead successful digital projects.

Participants work through a compressed simulation of a digital project lifecycle, from business case to closure. They apply practical strategies to manage risk, strengthen governance, and safeguard the benefits the project is intended to deliver for Australians.

Program at a glance

In addition to the interactive simulations and overviews of the role SROs play, the program dives into 5 modules across the two days:

If you’re interested in attending, details for our upcoming session are available below:

  • Format: Two‑day, in‑person program
  • Next Session: 22-23 September 2025
  • Audience: Senior Responsible Officials for major digital projects. At DTA discretion, senior leaders with other leadership roles for digital projects may also be permitted to join.
  • Total attendee numbers: 12 total per program
  • Mandatory: Yes — for SROs of all major digital projects funded from Budget 2024-25 onwards. SROs of projects funded prior to 2024-25 are also strongly encouraged to complete the training.
  • Cost: The DGP is cost-recovered with the fee for 2025 set at $3,900. 

For details of the remaining 2025 dates visit Digital Governance Program.

To register for the program, or to raise any questions about our sessions, email lpi@dta.gov.au.

Program feedback

All participants from our first program agreed that the DGP had improved their confidence and that they found the program very or extremely useful.

Notably, attendees felt more confident on average in understanding the role of the SRO in the Australian government context.

“This program is essential for anyone taking on the role of SRO for a digital program, regardless of your degree of previous experience leading digital transformation.”
SRO Inaugural Program Attendee – Leading a Tier 1 Digital Project

“You won’t regret this – it is two days well spent to help ensure the success of any digital project. The bonds you also establish with other SROs in the APS are second to none.”
SRO Inaugural Program Attendee – Leading a Tier 3 Digital Project

Through our work with agencies, we know that confident, capable SROs make the difference between success and failure This program builds the leadership skills they require to stay focused on benefits and act decisively when challenges arise.

Jamie Whitcombe, Branch Manager of Portfolio Assurance at the DTA, said the program is a critical investment in leadership capability:

“We know that having leaders with the right skills and confidence is fundamental to delivering successful digital projects. The DGP ensures SROs are equipped to anticipate challenges, apply proven countermeasures and keep projects focused on delivering expected benefits for Australians.”

“The program is about more than governance—it’s about building a network of leaders who can share insights and support each other as they lead some of the most complex projects in government.”

Drawing on best practice

The two days program draws extensively on proven approaches from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Victoria. We gratefully acknowledge the work of the UK Government and the Victorian Government in particular.

Our pilot and test sessions were consulted with several agencies, including: the Australian Submarine Agency, the Australian Electoral Commission, the Department of Education, the Australian Skills Quality Authority, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the Australian Public Service Commission, and the Australian Energy Regulator.

Their insights and feedback have been critical in shaping a program that reflects real-world challenges and delivers practical value for SROs across the Australian Public Service.

For more information, visit the Digital Governance Program page. For any questions about the program, email lpi@dta.gov.au.

The Digital Transformation Agency is the Australian Government's adviser for the development, delivery, and monitoring of whole-of-government strategies, policies, and standards for digital and ICT investments, including ICT procurement. 

For media enquiries email us at media@dta.gov.au

For other enquiries email us at info@dta.gov.au