The Victorian government has released an IT strategy report card, tracking progress on targets set in the the Information Technology Strategy for the Victorian Government 2016 to 2020, launched last year. The Strategy set directions in four priority areas: reform in how government manages and makes transparent its information and data, seizing opportunities from the digital revolution, reforming government’s underlying technology and lifting up the capability of government employees to implement ICT solutions that are innovative, contemporary and beneficial.
The report shows significant progress made during the past one year. Out of 22 actions due to be delivered by 31 March 2017, 19 have been completed. Two more have been completed but are going through approval. One has been intentionally delayed. That is the development of an upskilling plan for ICT capability within the government. For this, the initial plan was completed but the proposed plan involves a measure of change within the VPS. Hence, a further round of validation and consultation is being undertaken to refine the plan and create further stakeholder buy-in. Four more actions due by 30 June 2017 are on track for completion.
The actions completed include finalisation of governance arrangements and a performance management framework for CenITex.
To improve ICT project delivery, the ICT Dashboard, covering 187 agencies, was launched in July 2016. The approach for quality assurance and independent advice has been completed and approved by government.
A statement of direction for a Victorian Government data network, and for cyber security has been developed in the form of the Network and Cyber Security Statement of Direction.
The form and functions of the Victorian Centre for Data Insights were approved by the Government in December 2016. This agency is expected to facilitate use and sharing of data and information to improve policy making and service design. Recruitment is underway for its inaugural Director – the Chief Data Officer.)
The Consultation and Collaboration Platform was successfully piloted with Regional Development Victoria in the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR). Since the launch, over 75 consultations have been either completed, are underway or planned for release.
An Information Management Framework was developed and approved. VicRoads piloted a citizen-facing Live travel time data API publishing real-time open datasets and broadcasting emergency road closures, travel times and variable speed limits. The lessons learn were shared with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which established a Web API Gateway platform for use by all departments. A Whole of Victoria Government API Strategy is under development.
Performance Indicators have been developed and published on the Data.Vic website. Potential master data sets were identified and included in the Master Data Approach. The next step would be to identify an order of priority and propose further cross-sharing projects as business sponsors are identified.
Two of the actions, developing a common systems approach for Finance and Human Capital Management have led to two RFTs (requests for tender) being released for whole of Victorian Government systems.
A review was undertaken to examine existing procurement arrangements, processes and tools, including ICT services obtained through the eServices Register. The software platform that is currently in use to deliver the eServices Register, will be reviewed with the objective of enhancing functionality and ease of use.
A proof-of-concept has been initiated commenced with the DPC (Department of Premier and Cabinet) Single Digital Presence (SDP) project. The single digital model has been designed to be highly scalable so that it can provide a whole of government solution.
Much of this work completed during the past year relates to reviews, developing performance frameworks, and strategies or analysis, which are expected to inform the subsequent stages. A 2017-18 Action Plan, updating the five year strategy, is being finalised.
View the IT strategy report card here.