Australia has been ranked second out of 38 economically developed countries for digital government work, according to the OECD's 2025 Digital Government Index. The country's federal government scored 0.85, behind only South Korea at 0.95. Australia topped the categories of 'digital by design' and 'user-driven services'. This marks a rise from fifth place in 2023, the index's first year.
However, sector experts warn that workforce shortages could threaten this success. Australia needs 61,000 more technology professionals over the next five years to sustain digital services amid technological and population growth. Chris Fechner, CEO of the Digital Transformation Agency, noted that governments globally struggle to compete with private sector salaries and status offered by companies like Google, Atlassian, and Microsoft.
Fechner highlighted a 'talent wall' in the Canberra region, where public service agencies have been poaching from each other. To address this, the DTA is shifting focus from marketing jobs to university graduates and reskilling mid-career public servants in roles disrupted by AI, such as customer service. There is also an increased emphasis on trades.
Australia's stagnating economy, particularly in productivity and employment, has helped the government attract digital talent from the private sector. Fechner noted that tech workers often seek more secure government jobs during market downturns, and layoffs have allowed the government to acquire skilled individuals, even temporarily.
Fechner attributed Australia's digital success to policies requiring all public sector agencies to consider audiences and accessibility. The federal government has protocols preventing digital-only systems, ensuring fair access. He emphasized the need for computer literacy classes and low-bandwidth platforms for remote areas, as well as services like Services Australia to connect people to government services.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said Australia's success stems from continued digital access for citizens. 'We are focused on building digital services that are secure, connected and centred on people,' she said, adding that the goal is to make government services simpler, more reliable, and ready for the future.
