Secretaries’ Digital and Data Committee communique
Date: 27 March 2026
Strengthening the role and impact of the SDDC
The Committee reflected on member feedback on the operation of SDDC, noting improved agenda discipline and the value of thematic discussions. Members agreed SDDC should set data and digital strategic direction, priorities and stewardship expectations across the APS, with clearer outcomes and follow-through from meetings, including escalation avenues to Secretaries’ Board.
Connected Service Delivery
The Committee explored a shared future state for connected service delivery across government, recognising the strong foundations already in place. Secretaries discussed pathways to further improve how people and business experience government services, including the role of human-centred design, emerging technologies and whole-of government collaboration in supporting more seamless, accessible and trusted digital services.
myGov update – progress, policy and future priorities to support connected service delivery
The Committee noted the upcoming priorities for myGov including implementation of the myGov Policy Framework, support for 2026 Census, and future investments agreed by government in the 2025-26 MYEFO.
APS AI Plan: Driving agency participation in GovAI
The Committee agreed to support implementation of the APS AI Plan by promoting agency participation in GovAI and encouraging reuse first approaches across the APS. The Committee agreed to drive agencies to contribute reusable intellectual property and, where appropriate, share completed generative AI assurance and risk assessments through a central GovAI hosted register. The Committee noted an update on the GovAI platform, including upcoming trials of GovAI Chat.
‘Tell-us-once’ reforms
The Committee discussed the whole-of-government regulatory reforms that are intended to support the sharing and use of data across government, reducing the need for the Australian public to repeatedly provide the same information.
ATO app – Counter Fraud Program
The Committee noted the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) mobile app strategy and its role in strengthening the integrity of the tax and superannuation systems. The Committee noted the ATO has commenced delivery of the Government’s 2024–25 Budget-funded Counter Fraud Program measures, including the rollout of enhanced ATO app security features to help taxpayers safeguard personal information and protect against fraudulent activity.
Data sharing use cases
The Committee reviewed data sharing use cases for Australian Government data to enhance practical outcomes and discussed ways to improve coordinated data sharing.
Whole-of-Government Data Platforms
The Committee endorsed the vision for consolidated online data discovery and access via a single entry point.
Updated Deputy Secretaries Data Group Terms of Reference
The Committee endorsed the revised Terms of Reference for the Deputy Secretaries Data Group, including changes to help the group drive system-wide data priorities and reforms more effectively.
Secretaries Digital and Data Committee Performance Report (July - December 2025)
The Committee endorsed the SDDC performance report for the period 1 July – 31 December 2025 for submission to the Secretaries Board.
Other business
The Committee discussed the approach for the next SDDC meeting in June, focussed on cyber resilience and strategic investment.
The Committee was briefed on the Australian Signals Directorate’s work plan for updating cyber guidance to agencies.