The WA Government established the Digital Capability Fund (the Fund) in 2021 to drive more strategic and targeted investment in digital transformation across the public sector and provide the capacity to upgrade legacy ICT systems.
$500 million was allocated to the Fund initially, with a further $400 million added as part of the 2022-23 Budget. These funding allocations have now been exhausted, however a Special Purpose Account continues to be topped up for approved ICT projects.
Objectives
The Fund’s objectives are:
- accelerate government digital service delivery reform to improve outcomes for WA people and businesses
- enable more strategic and targeted investment in digital transformation across Government
- provide Government with clear visibility regarding the quantum and quality of digital projects for better decision making and prioritisation
- support the delivery of Government priorities, objectives and policies, including the Digital Strategy for the Western Australian Government 2026-2030: Modernising Government Services through Stronger Collaboration
- achieve a coordinated and collaborative approach to developing digital capabilities to integrate and streamline services, and reduce duplication
- support upgrades to legacy ICT systems that present significant risk to service delivery, both internal and external to government
- enable greater oversight and assurance to deliver a comprehensive, risk-based approach to funding and managing digital projects.
Scope
ICT investment proposals received from WA Government entities are assessed through the Fund.
Governance
The Fund is subject to a robust governance structure and oversight.
The Minister for Science and Innovation is responsible for oversight and reporting on the operation of the Fund.
An Assurance Committee is established to provide whole-of-government level oversight and assurance over projects assessed and funded through the Fund.
The Office of Digital Government (DGov), in partnership with the Department of Treasury and Finance, is responsible for the administration of the Fund.
Agency CEOs are responsible for the successful delivery of ICT initiatives within allocated funds and ensuring that agencies meet their reporting obligations.
Reporting
Agencies must report to DGov monthly on the progress of funded initiatives. Reporting on an initiative commences upon notification of a successful funding application.
Guidance material
DGov and the Department of Treasury and Finance have created several frameworks to help agencies plan and deliver ICT initiatives.
Digital Capability Fund Assurance Framework
- Outlines assurance controls and approval responsibilities for Initiatives receiving funding.
ICT Project Delivery Framework
- This framework supports the successful planning and delivery of funded projects. It is based on PRINCE2 methodology and sets out recommended practices to deliver ICT projects.
ICT Benefits Realisation Framework
- This framework has been developed to assist agencies improve benefit realisation. Further information on benefits is also available through the Strategic Asset Management Framework provided by the Department of Treasury and Finance.
- Developed in collaboration with the Department of Treasury and Finance, the ICT Modernisation Framework standardises the approach to modernising ICT across Western Australian Government agencies and supports agencies in updating and improving their existing ICT environments.
- The framework package includes the ICT Modernisation Total Cost of Ownership and Benefits Model, a tool for agencies to outline the direct and indirect costs of acquiring, operating, and maintaining a technology product or system throughout its lifecycle along with the expected benefits realised through modernisation efforts.
- Agencies are required to complete the TCO and Benefits Model for all ICT projects with an estimated total cost over $5 million.
More information
For advice or information about the Fund, please contact info-dgov@dpc.wa.gov.au
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