Mr Walker, a keynote speaker at the industry’s flagship FutureGov Forum Queensland, says this new ICT action plan lays the foundations for a rigorous public sector, working in tandem with the industry.
The just-released Queensland Government ICT Strategy 2013-2017 offers a comprehensive roadmap to reforms over the next five years.
During an interview with FutureGov, Mr Walker noted this ICT action plan improves governance, while establishing clear guidelines about how projects are managed and delivered.
“We need to avoid mistakes of the past, especially the health payroll system that ended up costing taxpayers considerably more than the original budget.”
He added that in future, agencies will take full responsibility for projects. “However, we are placing checks and balances that ensure that high-profile, or at-risk projects, first get ministerial approval. There needs to be a business case, before a green light is given for big-spending items.”
Current reforms do not foreshadow adding “layers of bureaucracy” to the business of government. “Our policy agenda simply addresses many of the concerns raised by high-level audits and committees investigating Queensland’s project and service delivery programmes.”
Dashboard access to projects
As a first step, the administration has launched a Public-Facing Dashboard. This dashboard, flagged as a first in government, helps citizens track timelines for projects.
From November 2013, agencies will need to publish their data on this dashboard. All agencies are expected to go on-line by December 2013. This information-sharing ensures better risk management for major government ICT activities.
This dashboard is readily accessed by anyone using a web browser of their choice.
Governance takes centre stage
Efficient and accountable governance is at the core of an “ICT renewal process,” noted Mr Walker.
“The key to achieving this is to remove system complexity, to simplify business process where possible and to take a one government approach to investment in ICT.”
New approaches to ICT investment are now governed by strict risk management arrangements. “The way government manages significant ICT investments will change substantially.”
Under a transparent reporting regime, the ministerial nod is needed before funds are released for projects, especially those classified as high-risk.
Mr Walker observed that “Had this level of openness and accountability been implemented under the previous Labor Government, Queenslanders would not be facing an AU $1.2 billion bill for the Health Payroll disaster.”
Queensland’s ICT action plan addresses key findings from the Queensland Health Payroll System Commission of Inquiry, the ICT Audit 2012 and the Queensland Commission of Audit.
Dedicated workforce
To avoid fragmented service delivery, agencies need dedicated staff that take direct ownership and remain accountable. “In the past, it was difficult to track areas of responsibility, for example, with the health payroll system.”
A future roadmap establishes new management frameworks, while tackling the security of at-risk systems. “We are putting more rigour around the way we govern and report on programmes and projects, giving Queenslanders faith in the way government invests in ICT.”
Hear first-hand from Mr Ian Walker during his keynote address Tuesday 17th September at FutureGov Forum Queensland.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Shahida Sweeney
Quelle/Source: futureGov, 29.08.2013
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