DTA’s update to Recommendation 4 of JCPAA report 504
The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) supports measures that promote transparency, integrity and public confidence in Commonwealth procurement. In response to the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) final report (Inquiry into procurement at Services Australia and the National Disability Insurance Agency), the DTA has undertaken targeted actions within its remit to better understand and address risks associated with gifts and benefits offered by major ICT sellers. These actions complement existing Australian Public Service (APS) integrity and procurement frameworks and have informed broader actions to refine guidance in parallel.
The outcomes of the data collection activity, including observations on reporting feasibility and any identified risks or gaps, are set out in the report. Consistent with the executive minute of 19 December 2024, this report was provided to the JCPAA on 9 July 2026 to inform the Committee of the actions taken, the findings arising from the data collection activity, and to inform it of the next steps being taken to strengthen transparency of gift and benefit disclosures to APS employees. This includes how the DTA’s insights have contributed to the Australian Public Service Commission’s policy development, including the updated gifts and benefits guidance for APS agencies, employees and senior officials, which expands existing transparency beyond agency heads.
DTA’s whole-of-government data collection activity
As part of the response to Recommendation 4, the DTA coordinated a 12-month data collection activity involving major ICT sellers with whole-of-government single seller arrangements or model contracts to report gifts and benefits offered (not only accepted) to APS staff. The scope extended beyond existing public reporting requirements to capture all staff levels and, where practicable, all gift values. The reporting period covered April 2025 to March 2026, with quarterly reporting by participating sellers. The DTA analysed data collected from sellers and reconciled this against entities’ gifts and benefits declarations to identify trends, discrepancies and potential integrity risks.
The outcomes of the data collection activity, including observations on reporting feasibility and any identified risks or gaps, are set out in the attached report. Consistent with the executive minute of 19 December 2024, this report is provided to inform the Committee of the actions taken, the findings arising from the data collection activity, and to inform you of the next steps being taken to strengthen transparency of gift and benefit disclosures to APS employees. This includes how the DTA’s insights have contributed to the Australian Public Service Commission’s policy development, including the updated gifts and benefits guidance for APS agencies, employees and senior officials, which expands existing transparency beyond agency heads.