The McGowan Government is investing $34.7 million in the Office of Digital Government (ODG) to lead the digital transformation of the Western Australian public sector.
It is the first time a WA Government has provided ongoing funding for a digital reform agenda and to support agencies in improving service delivery to the community.
The previous Liberal National Government only temporarily funded the former Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) to establish and drive a whole-of-government ICT strategy, policy and reform agenda.
In the Service Priority Review 2017 report, the OCGIO was found to have an ambiguous remit and operate without a requisite mandate. The report also highlighted the funding allocated by the previous government was considered insufficient for the OGCIO to deliver on its responsibilities.
In 2018, the McGowan Government created the ODG with a clearly defined remit and mandate to advance the State’s digital reform agenda.
The ODG will use the $34.7 million to deliver on its clear reform agenda. This includes improving delivery of online services to the community, implementing higher cyber security standards, improving data protection and sharing, building data analytics capabilities, supporting the implementation of ICT procurement reforms, and investigating strategies to reduce the digital divide and any digital disadvantage.
As noted by Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly:
“The McGowan Government recognises that digital transformation is fundamental to a modern, efficient public sector.
“The previous Liberal National Government only temporarily funded digital reform at the tail end of their time in government.
“Their short-sighted neglect left us with a budget black hole and a lot of work to do to make sure the WA public sector can meet community expectations.
“We have now established an Office of Digital Government and committed ongoing funding for it to ensure the State Government is supported by efficient and effective technology, while meeting community expectations for security.”
