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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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee communique 

Date: 24 February 2023 

Members in attendance:

• Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, Secretary, Department of Social Services, Co-Chair 
• Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance, Co-Chair 
• Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet 
• Mr Michael Pezzullo AO, Secretary, Department of Home Affairs 
• Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary, Attorney-General’s Department 
• Ms Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources 
• 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 Rachel Noble, Director-General, Australian Signals Directorate 

Proxies in attendance: 

• Dr Rachel Bacon, Deputy Secretary, APS Reform 
• Mr Justin Keefe, Chief Technology Officer, Department of Defence 
• Mr Charles McHardie, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Services Australia 
• Mr Jonathan Thorpe, Deputy CEO, Services Australia 

Guest presenter: 

• Mr David Thodey, myGov User Audit (for myGov User Audit item only) 

Data and Digital Government Strategy 

Secretary Wilkinson updated the Committee on work supporting development of a Data and Digital Australian Government Strategy. The Strategy will build on the Australian Government’s data and digital transformation journey to date and set out the Government’s expectations of Australian Public Service (APS) agencies in the management and use of data and digital technologies to 2030. 

myGov audit outcomes 

Mr Thodey updated the Committee on the outcomes of the myGov User Audit following finalisation of the panel’s report (the report). The report delivers findings and recommendations to inform the future design of myGov as an enduring capability that provides proactive, intuitive services for people interacting with government. The next steps for myGov and proposed approach to implementation of the myGov User Audit are under development. 

Benefits management realisation 

Mr Fechner outlined a proposed approach for managing benefits for digital and ICT projects, designed to provide a better understanding of how digital and ICT investments are performing and provide confidence that these investments remain on track to realise their intended outcomes. 

Digital Identity 

Secretary Wilkinson provided feedback from the Data and Digital Ministers Meeting consideration of Digital ID and work being undertaken by the Commonwealth to progress the agenda. 

National Strategy of Engagement for Cyber and Digital Identity Resilience 

Secretary Pezzullo provided an update on the proposed national strategy for the engagement of cyber and digital identity resilience. 

GovERP 

Secretary Wilkinson outlined the activities to address the immediate next steps for the GovERP Shared Services Program and progress to date. A detailed program of works is under development. 

Digital Investment Overview & Integrated Digital Investment Plan 

Mr Fechner updated members on the Digital Investment Overview (DIO) the Integrated Digital Investment Plan which provides visibility of Commonwealth planned ICT and digital investments over the long-term.

Assurance traffic light report 

Mr Fechner presented key metrics and themes on the health of the digital investment portfolio and the improvements underway to enhance the quality of data used to develop insights. 

Strengthening APS longer-term ICT investment planning capability

 Secretary Griggs discussed the establishment of an APS in-house consulting function as an initiative under the APS Reform agenda to reduce reliance on external consultants and improve longer-term digital, data and ICT investment planning capability in the APS.

Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee communique 

Date: 23 November 2022 

Members in attendance: 

• Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, Secretary, Department of Social Services, Co-Chair 
• Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance, Co-Chair 
• Mr Greg Moriarty, Secretary, Department of Defence 
• Mr Michael Pezzullo AO, Secretary, Department of Home Affairs 
• Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary, Attorney-General’s Department 
• Ms Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources 
• Ms Rebecca Skinner PSM, Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia 
• Mr David Gruen, Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics 
• Mr Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Transformation Agency 

Proxies in attendance:

• Dr Rachel Bacon, Deputy Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet 
• Mr Ramez Katf, Second Commissioner, Australian Taxation Office 
• Ms Abigail Bradshaw CSC, Head of the Australian Cyber Security, Australian Signals Directorate 

2023 Draft Forward Work Program 

The Committee agreed to the draft Forward Work Program (FWP) for 2023 which has been designed following guidance that digital and data will be an important enabler of the APS reform plan, with a continued focus on putting people and business at the centre of services. The projects included in the FWP represent whole-of-government digital, data and workforce matters. 

APS reform 

Dr Rachel Bacon provided an update on the work of the APS Reform Office and members noted the reform agenda was announced by Minister Gallagher following the October 2022 Budget. 

Cyber and digital identity resilience 

Secretary Michael Pezzullo AO provided a verbal update on cyber and digital identity resilience, and members noted the Department of Home Affairs has established a Commonwealth Credential Protection Register to help stop compromised identities from being used fraudulently. The Register will prevent compromised identity credentials from being verified through the Document Verification Service. 

Data discovery 

Commissioner Gayle Milnes from the Office of the National Data Commissioner (ONDC) provided members with an update on the Data Discovery program designed for developing Australian Government agencies’ data inventories and building the Australian Government Data Catalogue. The Data Catalogue program presents an ideal opportunity for government to better protect and use data as an asset. 

Integrated Digital Investment Plan 

Mr Chris Fechner from the Digital Transformation Agency presented an update regarding the Integrated Digital Investment Plan (IDIP) and members agreed in-principle to improve engagement on digital and ICT investments. Members agreed that the DTA develop a conceptual model of long, medium and short-term planning requirements for digital and ICT investments through the Digital Leadership Committee. 

Reform of the Hosting Certification 

Mr Chris Fechner outlined interest from industry stakeholders who are seeking accreditation under the Hosting Certification Framework (HCF). Members noted recent updates to the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018. The Committee were also advised that all non-corporate Commonwealth agencies are mandated to use HCF-certified providers.

myGov App Strategy 

Ms Rebecca Skinner PSM updated the Committee on the myGov App Strategy and advised the proposed release of the App is early December 2022. 

Progress of the myGov Audit 

Mr David Hazelhurst, myGov Audit Secretariat outlined the scope of work being undertaken for the myGov User Audit. The Committee noted the consultation sessions which have commenced and that the audit is due to deliver its final report by the end of December 2022. 

Simplified trade system 

Mr Randall Brugeaud, Head of the Simplified Trade System (STS) Implementation Taskforce updated members on the progress of the digital and data elements of the STS reform agenda, including continued support from Government. The Committee agreed to support this while ensuring agency-led forums are visible and align with the whole-of-government direction. 

Other business 

Secretary Wilkinson PSM updated members with the outcomes from the Government Enterprise Resource Planning (GovERP) Deep Dive held on 16 November 2022.

Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee communique 

Date: 19 October 2022 

Members in attendance: 

• Mr Ray Griggs AO CSC, Secretary, Department of Social Services, Co-Chair 
• Ms Jenny Wilkinson PSM, Secretary, Department of Finance, Co-Chair 
• Mr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, Secretary, Public Sector Reform 
• Professor Glyn Davis AC, Secretary, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet 
• Mr Greg Moriarty, Secretary, Department of Defence 
• Mr Michael Pezzullo AO, Secretary, Department of Home Affairs 
• Ms Katherine Jones PSM, Secretary, Attorney-General’s Department 
• Ms Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources 
• Dr David Gruen AO, Australian Statistician, Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Ms Rebecca Skinner PSM, Chief Executive Officer, Services Australia 
• Ms Rachel Noble PSM, Director-General, Australian Signals Directorate 

Proxies in attendance: 

• Ms Jacqui Curtis. Acting Commissioner, Australian Taxation Office 
• Ms Lucy Poole, General Manager, Digital Strategy, Architecture and Discovery, Digital Transformation Agency
• Ms Clare Walsh, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 

APS Reform 

Secretary for Public Sector Reform, Dr Gordon de Brouwer PSM, outlined that the APS reform program was announced by Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for the Public Service, on 13 October 2022 at the Institute of Public Administration National Conference. It focussed on four key themes including an APS that embodies integrity in everything it does, puts people and business at the centre of policy and services, is a model employer and has the capability to do its job well. Digital and data were highlighted as key to supporting the APS Reform program. 

Review of the Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee Terms of Reference and Forward Work Program 

The Committee agreed to the Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee (SDDC) Terms of Reference which were revised to reflect the Secretaries Board’s decision to expand the scope of the Committee to include data and appoint the Secretary of the Department of Finance as co-Chair. Amendments to membership, quorum arrangements and meeting frequency (8 weeks) were also agreed. 

The Committee also agreed to bring forward items for the 2023 Forward Work Program out-of-session ahead of endorsement by the SDDC at the 23 November 2022 meeting. 

Update on the Optus data breach 

Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Michael Pezzullo AO provided an update on the Optus breach that occurred on 22 September 2022. The breach included personal identifiable information on millions of Australians and affected multiple government agencies. 

The Committee was informed the cyber threat environment for Australia is constantly evolving and agencies were reminded to proactively address cyber security preparedness, learning from the issues arising from the Optus data breach. The Committee noted the work of the first responders in coming together at short notice to contain the threat and support Australians. The Committee thanked Commonwealth, state and territory representatives for their efforts. 

Update on the Review of the Privacy Act 1988 

Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department, Ms Katherine Jones PSM provided an update on the review of the Privacy Act 1988 and advised the final report will include both immediate and medium-term priorities for reform which are designed to update the scope and coverage for the digital age and provide individuals with greater transparency and control over their personal information. 

Australian National Data Integration Infrastructure 

Dr David Gruen AO, the Australian Statistician, provided a progress report on the development of the Australian National Data Integration Infrastructure which will provide critical data sharing and integration capability across the Federation. 

Strategy for undertaking the myGov audit 

Chief Executive Officer for Services Australia, Ms Rebecca Skinner PSM, provided an update following an election commitment, to establish a panel of experts to lead the myGov User Audit. The Committee noted stakeholder engagement activities are scheduled to commence, focussing on improving the user experience and addressing technology and privacy issues. 

Digital Investment Portfolio Assurance 

The Committee noted the Digital Investment Portfolio Assurance Report presents key metrics and themes across the government’s digital investment portfolio, and members agreed for the report to be further developed out-of-session. 

Following an initial discussion, the Committee agreed to convene a separate meeting to discuss the GovERP project in more detail. 

Other business 

Secretary of the Department of Finance, Jenny Wilkinson PSM, provided members with an overview of the proposed Data and Digital Ministers Meeting (DDMM) agenda for 4 November 2022. It was outlined that the work of the DDMM will continue to be connected through the Secretaries Board and the SDDC to continue to leverage Commonwealth engagement through to the states and territories.