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.