SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE

NEW STANDARDS FOR GOVERNMENT WEBSITES AND DIGITAL SERVICES

The Albanese Government is issuing new standards and guidance to agencies to improve digital government services for all Australians.

Australian Government digital services are currently dispersed across multiple agency websites, portals and apps. This means that people need to understand how government works to find the support and services they need.

From 1 January 2025, all government agencies will be required to meet 3 new standards which are aimed at improving the experience for people and businesses interacting with government online:

• The Digital Inclusion Standard will pave the way for equality of access to government digital services, meaning people who need government’s services most aren’t left behind. 
• The Digital Access Standard will make it easier and simpler for Australians to find the information and services they need by reducing and reusing the number of ‘front doors’ to government like government websites and portal.
• The Digital Performance Standard will mean digital services are measured, monitored and improved based on people’s experience and satisfaction of them leading to better, more user-centred services.

The Digital Experience Policy also includes the recently updated Digital Service Standard which ensures government designs and delivers high-quality, user-friendly, and adaptable services based on what Australians need.

Minister for Finance and the Australian Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, said the Albanese Government is committed to putting people at the centre of government services.

‘In the digital age, Australians are interacting more with government online and they want to be able to do it in a way that suits them, that is safe and straightforward.

‘We want to ensure that all our websites and apps work well and are simple to use.

‘We want to make sure that all Australians, no matter their tech skills can easily access government services online without stress, whether it’s applying for a tax file number, or lodging a Medicare claim.

‘Australia is already a global leader in digital government. These new standards will help us improve government services for the benefit of all Australians.’

The Digital Experience Policy and standards address recommendations from the myGov User Audit and are an outcome of the Data and Digital Government Strategy.

The 3 new standards will be mandated from 1 January 2025. The Digital Service Standard already applies to new websites and services.

The policy, standards and further information are available at: Digital Experience | digital.gov.au

THURSDAY 25 JULY 2024