Uplift and exemption checklist
Step 1. Determine if further action is required
Check if you have ticked all the boxes across Steps 3 and 4.
If yes, your service is compliant. No further action is required.
If no, your service is not currently compliant with the policy, continue to step 2.
Step 2. Determine how to comply with the policy
If you have not been able to tick all the boxes, the service is not currently compliant with the policy, you will need to either:
- Uplift the service to be compliant by 1 July 2025 for the Digital Service Standard and compliant with the Digital Inclusion Standard by 1 January 2026.
- Seek an exemption from the DTA.
How to uplift my service to comply with the policy
- Go back through the checklists.
- Identify which of the boxes have not been ticked. This is where you will need to focus your efforts to uplift the service. Use the guidance next to the checklist to understand what activities to conduct to meet the requirements.
- The service will be compliant with the policy once you have ticked all the boxes.
Please note that this will need to be done before 1 July 2025 for the Digital Service Standard, and before 1 January 2026 for the Digital Inclusion Standard. If you require more time or are unable to meet one of the requirements due to e.g. legacy challenges, you can apply for an exemption if applicable (information below).
Decide if your service needs an exemption
If you are unable to meet the requirements set out in the Digital Service Standard and Digital Inclusion Standard by their implementation dates, please seek an exemption.
You may seek exemptions to these standards for:
- legacy technology barriers that cannot be reasonably overcome
- substantial financial burden associated with modifying a service to meet requirements.
Exemptions vary in nature and can be permanent, temporary, partial or full and may apply to one or more criteria or the entire standard. Each exemption application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and must be applied for through the DTA.
Please refer to the Compliance, reporting and exemption guide, for further information.
Additional Assistance
For further guidance on the exemptions process please see Digital Experience | digital.gov.au or contact standard@dta.gov.au.