ACS and DTA Sign MoU to enhance digital skills in public sector

Initiative looks to boost Australian public sector technology capablities

16 December 2024

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the digital skills of the Australian public sector.

Signed last week in Canberra, the MoU between ACS and DTA aims to leverage the expertise of both organisations to enhance the digital skills of public sector employees. The collaboration will focus on providing training, resources, and support to ensure that the public sector workforce is equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

ACS is the leading professional association for Australia's technology sector, representing over 49,500 members across industry, government, and education. ACS is dedicated to growing the nation's digital skills capabilities, fostering innovation, and supporting ICT professionals at every stage of their career journey

The DTA is a government agency responsible for driving the digital transformation of government services. The agency works to improve the accessibility, reliability, and security of government services through the adoption of digital technologies

This MOU aims to develop a digitally capable Australian Public Service (APS) aligned with the digital industry. It will enable APS technology professionals to use emerging technologies, enhance career paths, and promote excellence within the APS and the supporting industry.

Josh Griggs, ACS Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The MoU will see ACS and the DTA working together to apply the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) as an industry-wide approach to digital skills classification and evaluations.

"This MoU represents a significant step forward in our mission to build a highly skilled digital workforce in Australia. By partnering with the DTA, we can ensure the public sector has access to the best training and resources available, enabling agencies to deliver high-quality digital services to the Australian public.

“ACS will be applying what we’ve learned from our overseas counterparts and our relationships with international technology organisations in ensuring this agreement becomes a catalyst for innovative creation and adoption of technology across the public sector in ways that benefit business, government, and Australian society.”

The MOU outlines several key objectives, including: 

• Maximising the efficient and effective usage of existing capability and investment in delivering the Australian Government’s digital services. 
• Being a catalyst for innovative creation and adoption of technology that benefits business, government, and society. 
• Promoting the use of the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) as an industry-wide approach to digital skills classification and evaluation. 
• Building world-leading capability and skills within the Australian digital workforce. 
• Exploring diversity and inclusion initiatives for tech talent. 

“This memorandum is built on principles of collaboration, communication, and mutual benefit,’ explained Chris Fechner, Chief Executive Officer, DTA. 

“This arrangement seeks to strengthen cooperative and constructive exchanges of experiences and expertise to deliver better outcomes for Australians through digital government services.”

ACS has a long history of supporting the development of digital skills in Australia. Through various initiatives, including professional development programs, certifications, and partnerships with educational institutions, ACS is committed to ensuring that Australia has the talent needed to drive future technological advancements

The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance the digital skills of the Australian public sector. ACS and DTA are committed to working together to build a more digitally capable and innovative public service

-ENDS-

Further information

Troy Steer

Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy

M – 0417 173 740

E – troy.steer@acs.org.au

About ACS

ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 49,500 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation.

Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow.

ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community.

Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.