Making the performance of digital projects more transparent
In recent years, the Australian Government has invested not just in new digital projects but also in understanding the mix of projects underway and how they can best be supported to succeed. Transparency is an essential element of good governance. This page sets out improvements made to ensure Australians know how their digital projects are performing.
All Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects now have delivery confidence assessments
Delivery Confidence Assessments (DCAs) indicate how likely a project is to meet its objectives at a given point in time and are usually provided as a rating on a 5-point scale from High to Low. DCA ratings are useful in supporting improved project performance in 2 ways. At the individual project level, they provide an indication of when a project may need some support, and at the aggregate level they provide transparency on how all projects are progressing.
A lower DCA rating highlights risks or issues that need attention. This is not a forecast of failure – rather, it is an early warning system enabling timely interventions to address underlying challenges. By taking the right corrective actions, projects can improve confidence and successfully deliver expected outcomes for Australians, on time and within budget.
The DTA plays a crucial role in this process by working closely with agencies when confidence decreases. We help by:
- providing guidance and support to project teams
- facilitating the best use of assurance processes
- promoting strategies to address issues as early as possible, when course corrections are more likely to succeed.
Ultimately, this collaborative effort aims to improve the likelihood of successful project delivery, ensuring that investments provide the expected benefits to Australians and businesses.
Since the introduction of the Australian Government’s IOF in November 2021, the focus has been on understanding project performance as well as creating the conditions that are necessary to support project success. DCA ratings provide initial insights on project performance so, as more projects provide DCA ratings, we gain a more complete picture to identify areas for learning and improvement.
Transparency and understanding of project performance is increasing
There has been a continued focus on improving the availability and quality of DCAs. These assessments are undertaken by skilled independent assurers whenever possible to ensure objectivity, strengthening early oversight and influencing how projects are managed day-to-day.
The importance of transparency in major digital projects is highlighted in a recent report by the Western Australian Auditor General:
Increasing transparency would allow government to focus effort and oversight on those projects that most need it and not allow underperforming projects to go unnoticed. Transparency is key to ensuring entity accountability for their IT. (Note 7)
Greater transparency shifts agency behaviour. When performance information is visible and independently tested, agencies become more deliberate in planning, are more likely to escalate risks early, and are more accountable for outcomes.
Ultimately, transparency depends on having accurate, timely information about project performance. As the Western Australian Auditor General highlights, decision‑makers should have access to accurate and up‑to‑date information on how public money is being spent and when the benefits of these projects will be available.
Notes:
- Office of the Auditor General for Western Australia (16 June 2025) Transparency needed on State's major IT projects to given the Parliament and community an accurate picture of project progress and costs [media release], Office of the Auditor General for Western Australia, accessed 20 January 2026. Back to note 7.