Home Affairs' ICT modernisation needs backed by another review

A capability review of Home Affairs has re-made the case for greater support and resourcing for the department’s technology function, including for modernisation of key systems.

The review [pdf] found that ICT modernisation forms a key part of the currently endorsed technology strategy, but the work had not progressed due to funding, staffing levels and executive sponsorship.

The findings are similar to those of a 2022 report that uncovered “structural underfunding” of key capabilities at the department, with data and systems modernisation specifically required.

The capability review expanded on that, noting that “over 40 percent of 480 distinct business systems have already reached end-of-life”, and that “resources required to sustain, and in future replace, these assets are yet to be fully funded.”

“This technical backlog is preventing the department from establishing more efficient operations and capitalising on emerging technologies,” the review stated.

The review states that the Technology and Major Capability (TMC) group, which encompasses the department’s cyber risk services branch, ICT division, and major capability division, “faces resourcing challenges supporting the existing ICT footprint, in addition to almost 200 active projects.”

The resourcing being afforded to ICT and data meant the department “is currently not positioned to deliver beyond ‘maintenance’, let alone improve its ability to radically transform its technology and use of data,” the review states.

The department - which has also seen frequent rounds of changes in its short life, including a constant addition of new responsibilities - could also benefit from a “a single, shared and executable plan for the future of its ICT or data assets”, the reviewers added.

The most recent technology strategy to be endorsed by the department is four years old.

The reviewers expressed hope that more changes in the department, notably the formation of a transformation division and a major projects and investment committee, would result in the technology and data functions being resourced for business-as-usual and modernisation work.