List of recommendations

3.26The Committee recommends that in relation to information technology projects, the Department of Finance improve guidance for Commonwealth departments and agencies relating to:

how departments should develop procurement plans

estimating resources required over the project’s life

planning for how the project will be funded and sustained

how to embed capability into the organisation

evaluate and select project management approaches

the role of the Senior Responsible Officer

refinements to gateway review ratings and their application.

3.27The Committee recommends that the Department of Finance and the Digital Transformation Agency continue to collaborate on:

common definitions and matrices

guidance and policy documents relating to information technology procurement and projects

responsibility for oversight and review of whether large information technology projects are achieving expected milestones and outcomes

the conduct of gateway reviews, including lessons learnt and trends arising from these reviews.

3.28The Committee recommends that the Department of Finance and the Digital Transformation Agency report back to the Committee at 6 months and again at 12 months from the date of this report on the progress that has been made to improve information technology procurement.