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Secretaries Digital and Data Committee
The Secretaries Digital and Data Committee is a subcommittee of the Secretaries Board.
Purpose
The purpose of the SDDC is to provide strategic leadership to promote an APS-enterprise approach to the planning, coordination, investment, assurance, and delivery of trusted and secure digital and data capabilities across government.
Membership
The Secretaries Digital and Data Committee membership comprises:
- The Secretary of the Department of Finance (co-chair)
- The Secretary of the Department of Social Services
- The Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department
- The Secretary of the Department of Defence
- The Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs
- The Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- The Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- The Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics
- The Commissioner of Taxation (co-chair)
- The Australian Public Service Commissioner
- The Chief Executive Officer of Services Australia
- The Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Transformation Agency
- The Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate
Terms of Reference
The Secretaries Digital and Data Committee Terms of Reference were updated and officially endorsed at the meeting on 8 August 2024.
Communiques
The Secretaries Digital and Data Committee is committed to modelling transparency with regard to communicating its priorities and decisions.
Communiques were established from the following meetings:
- SDDC Communique 13 March 2025
- SDDC Communique 12 December 2024
- SDDC Communique 8 August 2024
- SDDC Communique 24 April 2024
- SDDC Communique 15 March 2024
- SDDC Communique 27 November 2023
- SDDC Communique 18 August 2023
- SDDC Communique 29 June 2023
- SDDC Communique 30 March 2023
- SDDC Communique 24 February 2023
- SDDC Communique 23 November 2022
- SDDC Communique 19 October 2022
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Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee communique
Date: 8 August 2024
SDDC bi-annual performance report to Secretaries’ Board
Members endorsed the Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee (SDDC) performance report for the period 1 January – 30 June 2024 for submission to the Secretaries Board.
Annual terms of reference review
Members agreed to the updated Terms of Reference for the SDDC.
Strategic discussion: driving data transformation in the APS
Data landscape
Members noted and discussed the progressive improvements in the management and use of data in the Australian Public Service (APS) over the past decade, and the opportunities and challenges in leading data transformation in the APS.
National Cabinet tasking on gender based violence
Members noted that Data and Digital Ministers will provide advice to National Cabinet on how to improve information sharing about gender-based violence perpetrators across systems and jurisdictions.
National disability data asset and next steps for Australian National Data Integration Infrastructure
Members discussed the National Disability Data Asset (NDDA) project and next steps for the underlying infrastructure, the Australian National Data Integration Infrastructure (ANDII).
Members noted the significant progress to deliver the NDDA and the build of ANDII. Members acknowledged key issues relating to data sharing across jurisdictions – in particular the challenges arising with complex legal arrangements.
Acquisition and governance arrangements for private sector data
Members discussed collaborative approaches to private sector data acquisition and establishing governance arrangements for the APS. Implementing a whole-of-government approach to procuring private sector data, along with ensuring alignment and consistency with contractual terms, will drive better outcomes and maximise the value derived from data acquisitions.
APS ERP approach
Members noted an update on the implementation of the APS Enterprise Resource Planning approach.
Digital ID
Members considered an update on the Digital ID Program. This included the 2024-25 Budget outcomes, passage of the Digital ID legislation in April 2024, and work across Commonwealth agencies to pilot the use of government verifiable credentials and digital wallets.
Stronger privacy protection and enforcement through the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme
Members noted the Office of the Information Commissioner’s important work as Australia’s privacy regulator, including its regulatory role with respect to the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme.
The date for the next SDDC meeting is to be confirmed.
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Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee communique
Date: 24 April 2024
Thematic discussion: APS Digital Systems
Members discussed the challenges associated with ensuring digital systems are connected and managed efficiently across the APS. A collaborative approach to digital delivery will provide opportunities to drive better outcomes through consolidation and shared delivery.
Integrated Digital Investment Plan (IDIP) update
Members discussed the maturity and value of the IDIP and challenges associated with systems reaching end of life as well as legacy systems.
Members agreed the next IDIP will be presented to the November 2024 SDDC meeting and noted the IDIP Pipeline Status Check and Insights Report to support Secretaries’ decision-making on the priority of investments, uplift capability and reuse across the Australian Public Service (APS).
Progress on SAP negotiations
Members noted that SAP negotiations are nearing completion with a new whole-of-government arrangement expected to commence immediately following expiry of the current contract at the end of June 2024.
Governance of Indigenous data implementation
Members discussed and endorsed the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s (NIAA) proposed Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data Implementation.
Members noted the SDDC’s ongoing role in direction and oversight of the Framework implementation across government, and agreed the NIAA publish the Framework as a matter of priority.
ABS Consultancy Service to support the APS Strategic Commissioning Framework objective to limit outsourcing across the APS
Members noted the ABS Consultancy Service provides access to a team of data analysts to assist departments and agencies to access and analyse data from a range of ABS and Integrated data assets. The ABS Consultancy Service supports departments and agencies to fulfil the APS Strategic Commissioning Framework objective to limit outsourced consultancy and contractor work across the APS.
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Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee communique
Date: 15 March 2024
Members in attendance
- Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance, co-Chair
- Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, Secretary, Department of Social Services, co-Chair
- Ms Stephanie Foster PSM, Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
- Ms Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Dr David Gruen AO, Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Mr Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Transformation Agency
- Mr David Hazlehurst, Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia
- Ms Rachel Noble PSM, Director General, Australian Signals Directorate
- Mr Rob Heferen, Commissioner of Taxation, Australian Taxation Office
Apologies:
- Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Mr Greg Moriarty AO, Secretary, Department of Defence
- Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary, Attorney General’s Department
- Mr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, Commissioner, Australian Public Service Commission
Proxies in attendance
- Ms Nadine Williams, A/g Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Mr Chris Crozier, Chief Information Officer, Department of Defence
- Mr Cameron Gifford, Chief Operating Officer, Attorney General’s Department
- Dr Subho Banerjee, Second Commissioner, Australian Public Service Commission
Observers
- Mr Ramez Katf, Second Commissioner, Australian Taxation Office
- Mr John Shepherd, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance
- Mr Charles McHardie AM, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia
- Ms Olivia Wheeler, A/g Branch Manager, Digital Transformation Agency
- Ms Cathy Koch, Director, Secretariat, Digital Transformation Agency
Data and Digital Ministers Meeting 2024 Forward Work Program
The Committee noted the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting 2024 Work Plan and work underway to maintain momentum on data sharing across jurisdictions and between agencies for major projects.
SDDC biannual performance report to Secretaries Board
The Committee endorsed the SDDC Biannual Report for submission to the Secretaries Board and noted it was a good summary and assessment of SDDC achievements.
Sub-committee performance reporting
The Committee endorsed the Annual Performance Reports from the Digital Leadership Committee and the Deputy Secretaries Data Group, as well as the updated Terms of Reference for the Deputy Secretaries Data Group.
Thematic discussion: digital service delivery
Members discussed the expectations on government to provide people and businesses with high levels of assurance, low levels of risk, and easy to use services. The challenges associated with achieving ‘seamless service delivery’ were explored, noting that sharing restrictions are often required to ensure data remains safe and secure. Members noted that digital service delivery was only one channel and that government needed to improve the broader service delivery ecosystem, including telephony and shopfronts.
Members discussed accommodating different cohort preferences, for example, individuals and small businesses typically prefer a single point of contact whereas large businesses prefer direct contact through expert systems.
myGov
The Committee noted myGov is for all Australians including those without a phone or computer.
Members were encouraged to consider using myGov prior to developing new, siloed platforms and to apply discipline in the application of consistent design patterns across government to improve the user experience. Members discussed a variety of issues related to myGov and the importance of working across Government to resolve integration issues with different portals.
Members noted the activities underway to progress commitments made in the Government’s Response to the myGov User Audit.
Services Australia Strategic Initiatives:
a. Health delivery modernisation (HDM)
Members noted the update on the Health Delivery Modernisation Program.
b. Birth of a Child Initiative and Budget submission
Members noted the update for the Birth of Child project
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Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee Meeting communique
Date: 27 November 2023
Members in attendance:
- Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance, co-Chair
- Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, Secretary, Department of Social Services, co-Chair
- Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary, Attorney-General’s Department
- Mr Greg Moriarty, Secretary, Department of Defence
- Mr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, Commissioner, Australian Public Service Commission
- Mr Chris Jordan AO, Commissioner of Taxation, Australian Taxation Office
- Ms Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Ms Rachel Noble, Director-General, Australian Signals Directorate
- Dr David Gruen, Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Mr Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Transformation Agency
Apologies:
- Ms Stephanie Foster, A/g Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
- Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Mr Chris Birrer, A/g Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia
Proxies in attendance:
- Mr Jonathon Thorpe, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia
- Ms Nadine Williams, Deputy Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Mr Matthew Hay, Deputy Commissioner, Australian Taxation Office
Guest presenter:
- Ms Jody Broun, Chief Executive Officer, National Indigenous Australians Agency
- Mr John Shepherd, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance
Deputy Secretaries Data Group (DSDG) Performance Framework
Members agreed the updated DSDG Terms of Reference reflecting the new requirement for annual reporting to SDDC on its strategic objectives and performance and further agreed the performance framework, noting the first annual report will be tabled in February 2024.
Digital Identity
Members discussed the progress achieved, the role of the Digital Identity regulator and in particular the linkages with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and future regulatory arrangements.
Data and Digital Government Strategy (DDGS) Implementation Plan
The Committee discussed the Strategy and the Implementation Plan which are anticipated to be released by the end of 2023.
Emerging digital customer protection requirement
Members noted the work undertaken to consult across the APS on opportunities for a whole of government approach to digital protection requirements in the updated Digital Service Standard, and the exploration of an APS-wide Customer Experience Standard via the APS reform agenda.
Integrated Digital Investment Plan (IDIP)
Members discussed the benefits of a 10-year plan and agreed the IDIP Pipeline Status Check and Insights Report be submitted to SDDC biannually and noted the purpose of the report is to aid Secretaries’ decision-making on the priority of investments, uplift capability and reuse across the APS.
Update on Digital and ICT Planning Project
Members discussed and agreed to the prioritised recommendations of the Long-term Digital Investment Planning Report and agreed to small working groups progressing implementation design and reporting back to SDDC.
Governance of Indigenous Data (the Framework)
Members acknowledged the commendable work completed to develop the Framework, referred the implementation plan to Secretaries’ Board for consideration and agreed to provide oversight of implementation of the Framework.
Maturing and growing the Data Profession
Members noted the Data Profession three-year report and achievements and agreed the future priorities
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Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee Meeting communique
Date: 18 August 2023
Members in attendance:
- Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance, co-Chair
- Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, Secretary, Department of Social Services, co-Chair
- Mr Michael Pezzullo AO, Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
- Ms Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Ms Rachel Noble PSM, Director-General, Australian Signals Directorate
- Dr David Gruen AO, Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Mr Chris Jordan AO, Commissioner of Taxation, Australian Taxation Office
- Ms Rebecca Skinner PSM, Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia
- Ms Sarah Chidgey PSM, A/g Secretary, Attorney-General's Department
- Mr Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Transformation Agency
Apologies:
- Mr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, Commissioner, Australian Public Service Commission
- Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Mr Greg Moriarty, Secretary, Department of Defence
- Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary, Attorney-General's Department
Proxies in attendance:
- Mr Shane Johnson, First Assistant Secretary, Policy Innovation and Projects, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Observers:
- Dr Subho Banerjee, Deputy Commissioner, Australian Public Service Commission
- Mr Brenton Philp, Deputy Secretary Markets Group, Department of the Treasury
- Ms Mary Wiley-Smith, Deputy Secretary, Business Enabling Services, Department of Finance
- Ms Tanja Cvijanovic, Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance
- Mr Ramez Katf, Second commissioner and CIO, Australian Taxation Office
- Mr Nathan Williamson, Deputy Secretary, Department of Finance
- Ms Shannon Frazer, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance
- Ms Ingrid Lundberg, Assistant Secretary, Policy Innovation and Projects, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Ms Lucy Poole, General Manager, Digital Strategy, Architecture and Discovery, Digital Transformation Agency
- Ms Lauren Mills, Branch Manager, Digital Strategy, Digital Transformation Agency
- Ms Cathy Koch, Director, Secretariat, Digital Transformation Agency
- Ms Debbie Martiniello, Assistant Director, Secretariat, Digital Transformation Agency
Data and Digital Government Strategy
The Committee acknowledged the national and wide-ranging public consultation undertaken and noted the intention to publicly release a what we heard document of responses received. Further, the Committee noted the progress on developing a metrics and measurements framework to measure progress.
Cross-jurisdictional life events
The Committee noted the Data and Digital Ministers meeting endorsed the findings of the cross-jurisdictional life events review and agreed to the recommendations. The Commonwealth will lead the implementation of recommendations in collaboration with states and territories. The Digital Transformation Agency will return in 2024 to seek endorsement of the proposed Commonwealth strategic narrative (vision) and identified Commonwealth priorities for a reformed cross-jurisdictional life events program.
Future of shared services
The Committee discussed the update on the future of shared services.
myGov User Audit Government response
The Committee endorsed taking the high-level summary of the Government’s response to the myGov User Audit to the Secretaries’ Board for consideration to ensure a full APS-wide response is developed. The Committee also endorsed the establishment of myGov as the primary digital front door for Government services and the development of a decision-making framework led by the DTA to support an agreed approach to digital consolidation and alternate front doors.
Update on digital & ICT planning project
The Committee discussed the digital & ICT planning project and noted it required further consideration at the next meeting.
2023-24 MYEFO Digital Investment Overview (DIO) and evaluation progress
Members noted the progress made on the Digital Investment Overview evaluation along with next steps and acknowledged the value and usefulness of the document which was well-received by members.
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Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee Meeting communique
Date: 29 June 2023
Members in attendance:
- Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance, co-Chair
- Mr Matthew Flavel, Acting Secretary, Department of Social Services, co-Chair
- Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Mr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, Australian Public Service Commissioner
- Ms Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary, Attorney-General’s Department
- Mr Greg Moriarty, Secretary, Department of Defence
- Ms Rachel Noble, Director-General, Australian Signals Directorate
- Mr Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Transformation Agency
- Ms Stephanie Foster PSM, Acting Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
- Ms Jenet Connell, Acting Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics
Apologies:
- Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, Acting Secretary, Department of Social Services, co-Chair
- Mr Michael Pezzullo AO, Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
- Mr Chris Jordan AO, Commissioner of Taxation, Australian Taxation Office
- Dr David Gruen, Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Ms Rebecca Skinner, Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia
Proxies in attendance:
- Mr Charles McHardie, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Services Australia, Services Australia
- Mr Matthew Hay, Deputy Commissioner, Australian Taxation Office
Observers:
- Ms Mary Wiley-Smith, Department of Finance
- Mr John Shepherd, Department of Finance
- Ms Tanja Cvijanovic, Department of Finance
- Ms Shannon Frazer, Department of Finance
- Mr Shane Johnson, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Mr Wayne Poels, Digital Transformation Agency
- Ms Erin Cockram, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Ms Abigail Bradshaw, Australian Cyber Security Centre
Shared Services Transformation Program and next steps
The Committee noted various updates on the Shared Services Transformation Program and agreed to return to the next SDDC meeting with a proposition of the way forward.
Digital Identity
The Committee noted the progress made on the Digital Identity Program.
myGov User Audit Government response
The Committee noted the joint work of the DTA and Services Australia to develop the Government’s response to the myGov User Audit. The Committee agreed for the item to return to the next SDDC meeting to formalise the response to the recommendations.
National Disability Data Asset (NDDA)
The Committee noted the update on the NDDA project, led by the Department of Social Services and overseen by the Disability Reform Ministerial Council. The NDDA will be a national data asset that brings together de-identified data from Australian, state and territory government agencies for research and analysis. The Commonwealth and the states and territories are working together to establish a Multilateral Data Sharing Agreement. All jurisdictions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding committing to supply data into the NDDA, with the first outputs planned to be available in early 2024.
Digital Investment Overview (DIO) Evaluation progress and Digital and ICT planning project
The Committee noted progress on the project to strengthen longer-term digital, data and ICT investment planning capability across the Australian Public Service. Members discussed the common system barriers identified and early focus for improvements to planning and noted the final report will be provided for discussion at the next meeting. The terms of reference for the DIO evaluation and agreed to discuss preliminary observations from this at the next meeting.
Benefits Management Policy
The Committee agreed to provide feedback and endorse this item out-of-session.
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Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee Meeting communique
Date: 30 March 2023
Members in attendance:
- Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance, co-Chair
- Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, Secretary, Department of Social Services, co-Chair
- Mr Michael Pezzullo AO, Secretary, Department of Home Affairs
- Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary, Attorney-General’s Department
- Mr Greg Moriarty, Secretary, Department of Defence
- Mr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, Secretary, Public Sector Reform
- Mr Chris Jordan AO, Commissioner of Taxation, Australian Taxation Office
- Dr David Gruen, Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics
- Mr Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Transformation Agency
- Ms Rebecca Skinner, Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia
Apologies:
- Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Ms Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Ms Rachel Noble, Director-General, Australian Signals Directorate
Proxies in attendance:
- Mr Neal Mason, Deputy Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
- Mr Shane Johnson, First Assistant Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Guest presenter:
- Mr Subho Banerjee, Deputy Commissioner, Australian Public Service Commission
Cyber Security Strategy 2023-30
The Committee discussed the goals and timelines for the development of the Australian Cyber Security Strategy and noted the work undertaken to date.
Data and Digital Government Strategy
The Committee noted the wide consultation and progress made on developing the Data and Digital Government Strategy, along with proposed next steps.
Whole of government digital and ICT contracting arrangements
The Committee agreed that agencies should participate in the research and consultation for the redesign of the new Digital Marketplace and noted the work underway to reform digital and ICT procurement arrangements.
Project delivery capacity
The Committee discussed the importance of prioritisation of digital and ICT investment proposals within portfolios to and the need to ensure vendor capacity and capability prior to any approach to market.
Digital and Data capability uplift
The Committee noted the achievements of the Digital and Data professions to date and the initiatives being undertaken to drive an uplift in Australian Public Service capability in these areas.
The Committee agreed that while the professions would maintain their separate roles, they should work with the Australian Public Service Commission to maximise opportunities to align strategies, share learning and development materials on common platforms and leverage the APS Academy, where relevant.
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