On March 14, Digital Transformation Agency of Australia
(DTA) announced
that it has signed an agreement with the Australian Information Industry
Association (AIIA), the peak industry body for the information and
communications technology (ICT) sector.
DTA
acknowledges that digital transformation requires collective efforts from the
government and industry to deliver better results for the individuals and
business that have to use government services to get things done.
The AIIA is Australia’s peak representative body and
advocacy group for those in the digital ecosystem, pursuing activities to
stimulate and grow the digital ecosystem and to create a favourable business
environment for members, and to contribute to Australia’s economic prosperity.
In a statement welcoming the new agreement, CEO of DTA Mr Gavin
Slater said involving industry in government transformation was crucial to
success.
“The information and technology industry has much to offer
government and by engaging early in the design and development of projects and
programs, we have an opportunity to build in industry best practice, encourage
innovation and make it easier to do business with government,” said Mr Slater.
The memorandum of
understanding (MOU) intends to spell out how the DTA and AIIA can work
together and facilitate practical ways for the two parties to engage to achieve
mutually beneficial outcomes.
Such mutually beneficial outcomes include the provision of better
digital public services, a network for collaboration and inspiration, and economic
growth through open markets and by stimulating startups and small to medium
enterprises (SMEs) to engage in government procurement activities.
The two parties agreed to work cooperatively to exchange
information, experiences and expertise to achieve better outcomes for
individuals and businesses using government online services.
This collaboration will focus on key priority projects on
(1) ICT Procurement Reforms, (2) digital identity, including the Trusted
Digital Identity Framework (TDIF), and (3) building digital capability.
The following principles of engagement underpin this DTA-AIIA
MOU:
(1) Collaboration and partnership: Collaboration and
partnership between the two parties is based on mutual respect and a commitment
to engaging early to help shape thinking on potential solutions and
initiatives.
(2) Mutual advantage: The two parties recognise each other’s
interests, including the protocols and objectives of government and the
commercial interests of industry.
(3) Measures of success: The two parties will work together
to review the measures of success outlined in this document.
(4) Inclusive: This MOU is inclusive to all AIIA members.
(5) Communication: Communication between parties
is timely, respectful, frank and constructive and undertaken in the spirit of
achieving positive outcomes in the design and delivery of exemplary digital
government services.