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Infrastructure WA
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Elevate WA’s focus on accelerating digital transformation and connectivity infrastructure
1. Elevate WA’s focus on accelerating digital transformation and the priority given to underlying connectivity infrastructure by:
- allocating a lead state agency with a statewide, whole of government focus to proactively increase digital technology adoption and ensure digital services are more accessible and responsive to community and business needs
- developing and implementing an integrated statewide plan for digital connectivity, supported by a prioritisation framework, to guide future government investment
- developing a collaboration model, adopting a coordinated WA Government approach to federal programs and encouraging private sector investment
- providing multi-year WA Government funding and leveraging Australian Government co-investment opportunities for initiatives that have been prioritised in the statewide plan for digital connectivity.
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 1 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Actions:
1.1 Deliver the Digital Strategy for the Western Australian Government 2021-2025
1.2 Continue to investigate developing an integrated state-wide plan for digital connectivity
1.3 Implement the $48.6m WA Regional Digital Connectivity Program (WARDCP)
Current Implementation Progress
3/3 actions on schedule
1.1 On schedule
The Digital Strategy for the WA Government 2021-2025 continues to be delivered through a range of initiatives that support objectives within the four strategic priorities. The progress of these initiatives are outlined in the 2024 Digital Strategy Roadmap.
1.2 On schedule
DPC (ODG) and the DPIRD are progressing development of the SDCP which is due for completion in September 2024. The SDCP will focus on identifying connectivity gaps, lack of fit for purpose connectivity services, and connectivity barriers to digital inclusion.
1.3 On schedule
WARDCP project updates include the $9m Regional Connectivity Program Round 2 (15% completed). Round 3 of the $16.5m Regional Connectivity Program (including $4.45m for the Mobile Blackspot Program Round 7) State Funding Agreements are under negotiation. When completed, the WARDCP will provide 14 community wi-fi projects, 10 fixed wireless projects, 2 radio access networks and 45 new/improved mobile base stations.
Apply a digital-first approach to all stages of the infrastructure lifecycle
2. Improve infrastructure efficiency and performance and enhance service delivery through application of a digital-first approach to all stages of the infrastructure lifecycle, by:
- developing a digital-first smart infrastructure policy that guides the application of digital technologies, that includes:
- design principles for digital-enabled infrastructure such as interoperability and flexibility, resilience, open standards and user-centred design
- minimum requirements to embed smart technology in new and upgraded infrastructure where a positive net benefit can be demonstrated
- a clear process for state agencies and government trading enterprises that would identify how to assess and implement digital at all points of the lifecycle, including accounting for upfront and recurring costs in the business case phase
- outcomes and metrics
- amending the Strategic Asset Management Framework’s Strategic Asset Plan and Business Case guidelines to require state agencies and government trading enterprises to apply the digital-first smart infrastructure policy commencing with projects and programs with a capital cost of $100 million or more
- undertaking annual public reporting on digitisation of infrastructure, including on prioritisation, design, procurement, build and operational phases.
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 2 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Actions:
2.4 Investigate the development of a digital-first smart infrastructure policy
2.5 Develop a digital-first smart infrastructure policy
Current Implementation Progress
1/2 actions complete
1/2 actions not commenced
2.4 Complete
Action is complete, noting that Infrastructure WA have prepared a Digital First Infrastructure Policy Scoping document for WA Government consideration. The Policy Scoping Document (completed in June 2024) identified and evaluated various policy scope options, and included a cost benefit analysis. A series of recommendations were made for consideration.
2.5 Not commenced
Development of policy not yet commenced - pending outcome of the WA Government's consideration of the Digital First Infrastructure Policy Scoping Document (Action 2.4).
Improve cybersecurity practices for state-owned and regulated infrastructure owners and operators
3. Manage critical risks and support digital transformation by improving cybersecurity practices for state-owned and regulated infrastructure owners and operators, including:
- clearly articulating state and federal government cybersecurity obligations to government infrastructure owners and operators
- implementing mechanisms to mandate application of the Western Australian Cyber Security Policy by government trading enterprises
- updating the Strategic Asset Management Framework’s Strategic Asset Plan and Business Case guidelines to require all infrastructure strategic asset plans and business cases to demonstrate compliance with the Western Australian Cyber Security Policy and, where applicable, the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (Cth).
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 3 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Actions:
3.6 Continue to implement the WA Government's Cyber Security Policy
3.7 Implement the updated Strategic Asset Management Framework (SAMF)
Current Implementation Progress
2/2 actions complete
3.6 Complete
Implementation is complete, noting that the scope of the revised policy includes GTEs.
3.7 Complete
Implementation is complete, noting that Treasury, in consultation with DPC, will continue to monitor for any emerging cybersecurity challenges or improvement opportunities.
Develop digital capabilities within state agencies and GTEs
4. Ensure optimal operation and security of infrastructure by developing digital capabilities within state agencies and government trading enterprises, including:
- prioritising development of state privacy and information-sharing legislation that addresses the need to protect information and leverage value from the state’s information and data and, where practicable, aligns with existing Australian privacy laws to enable streamlined information sharing
- establishing a whole of government digital platform that enables the sharing of location-based asset information
- developing a WA Government data management and asset information policy that would include processes and appropriate standards to enable data sharing and analysis that supports improved planning and delivery of new infrastructure and better management of existing assets and embed these in government procurement processes, where applicable
- assigning a centralised lead state agency that is responsible for developing and retaining data science capabilities within government, including developing a comprehensive workforce strategy.
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 4 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Actions:
4.8 Progress privacy and responsible information sharing legislation for the WA public sector
4.9 Improve protections of government held personal information of Western Australians by implementing the information classification policy through the Digital Strategy's Safe and Secure priority
4.10 Continue to lead, develop and support whole of government cybersecurity resilience by fortifying WA's visibility of and response to cyber security threats
4.11 Progress the Spatial WA program
4.12 Develop data management and sharing guidelines
4.13 Expand initiatives attracting graduates with digital capabilities to the public sector
Current Implementation Progress
5/6 actions on schedule
1/6 actions behind schedule
4.8 On schedule
The WA Government introduced the PRIS legislation to Parliament in June 2024. The Interim Chief Data Officer has also been established to support agencies ahead of the implementation of responsible information sharing reforms under the PRIS legislation.
4.9 Behind schedule
The Information Classification Policy has been updated based on considerations emerging during implementation. A toolkit of guidance materials and templates have been updated to support agencies to implement the Information Classification Policy. The timeframe for implementation of the Policy has been extended to 2026.
4.10 On schedule
Work is progressing towards a cyber security hazard being incorporated into the State's emergency management arrangements, including preparation of a draft State Hazard Plan. A total of 88 government entities are connected to the WA Security Operations Centre. The Cyber Security Unit is extending the hours of operation to 24/7 to improve the cyber resilience of WA Government entities.
4.11 On schedule
The PDP was approved in December 2023 - additional funding allocated from The Digital Capability Fund over 2024/25 - 2032/33 to deliver an Advanced Spatial Digital Twin (ASDT) for WA. This milestone is complete. Program team resources, governance structures and agency resources have been substantively established and working groups have commenced. Procurement of the ASDT technology platforms is ongoing. The Program is exploring the potential for Spatial WA to support delivery of the Infrastructure WA Data Hub and the Digital First Infrastructure Policy.
4.12 On schedule
Implementation updates for this recommendation are contingent on the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing (PRIS) legislation being passed through Parliament. Refer to Action 4.8 for further information regarding the PRIS legislation.
4.13 On schedule
The new whole-of-government Digital Public Sector Graduate Program saw 26 graduates start at 16 participating agencies in February 2024. Advertisement of the 2025 program has commenced and is supported by a range of university and industry attraction activities. Planning for a whole-of-government internship program is expected to commence in late 2024.
Undertake an assessment of WA’s science and research infrastructure needs
Advance economic, environmental and social outcomes by undertaking an assessment of WA’s science and research infrastructure needs.
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 5 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Actions:
5.14 Investigate WA's science and research infrastructure needs
Current Implementation Progress
1/1 actions on schedule
5.14 On schedule
A Common User Infrastructure Report has been prepared and considered by the Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Steering Committee and the WA Government. Implementation of this initiative aligns with the 10-year Science and Technology Plan (currently in development). The Plan seeks to support the development of physical and digital infrastructure to enable the State to achieve its science and technology ambitions.
Embed and support engagement with Traditional Owners and Custodians
6. Embed and support early, inclusive, genuine and culturally appropriate engagement with Traditional Owners and Custodians addressing all stages of the infrastructure lifecycle by:
- developing and implementing engagement guidelines that:
- promote community-led processes and place-based infrastructure outcomes for Aboriginal communities
- include guidance to identify and understand, at an early stage, native title and cultural heritage implications of infrastructure proposals
- align with principles of the WA Government’s Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy
- updating the Strategic Asset Management Framework’s Strategic Asset Plan and Business Case guidelines to require preparation and publication of an Aboriginal engagement strategy, including Aboriginal employment targets, for projects and programs with a capital cost of $100 million or more.
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 6 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Current Implementation Progress
The Government Response notes that the Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy addresses the recommendation, and has marked it as complete. Infrastructure WA's observation of recent major infrastructure proposals indicates that agencies could apply this strategy more consistently to achieve outcomes.
Strengthen application of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy
7. Ensure infrastructure investment delivers tangible benefits to Aboriginal businesses and people by strengthening application of the WA Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy, including:
- establishing targets that also consider contract value
- providing updated guidance and education, including unconscious bias training, for procurement and other relevant public sector officers involved in procurement decision-making to support Aboriginal business contracting
- implementing mechanisms to mandate application of the policy by government trading enterprises
- setting new incremental procurement stretch targets (over and above current overall performance levels) in the policy over time.
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 7 is not supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Current Implementation Progress
This recomendation was not supported by the government. Infrastructure WA will continue to monitor application of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy and provide advice on policy elements and outcomes, as required.
Progressively build capacity and capability of Aboriginal businesses by developing and implementing complementary and proactive measures
Progressively build capacity and capability of Aboriginal businesses by developing and implementing complementary and proactive measures that are Aboriginal-led where possible.
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 8 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Actions:
8.15 Build capacity and capability of Aboriginal businesses by developing and implementing complementary and proactive measures through the Aboriginal Business Capability Program
Current Implementation Progress
1/1 actions on schedule
8.15 On schedule
The Aboriginal Business Capability Development Program met its key indicators in 2023-24. Funding has been secured for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Funding is set aside to meet future capability building objiations under the South West Native Title Settlement.
Improve the quality and resilience of infrastructure and services provided in remote Aboriginal communities and town-based reserves
9. Support improved environmental health, social and economic outcomes in remote Aboriginal communities and town-based reserves by improving the quality and resilience of infrastructure and services, ensuring they are safe, reliable, equitable and fit for purpose, including:
- developing a sustainable funding model and investment framework for state government infrastructure that considers whole of lifecycle asset costs, including recurrent funding for the operation and proactive maintenance of assets
- ensuring state agencies and government trading enterprises share information relating to the delivery of state government infrastructure and services to improve efficiency and coordination
- investigating opportunities for the private sector to fund and/or participate in the delivery, operation and maintenance of infrastructure and services
- evaluating the outcomes of the Bidyadanga Land Activation Pilot Project, and once completed, assessing the suitability of the model for application in other remote Aboriginal communities and town-based reserves
- ensuring licensed and regulated water, wastewater and power services are provided by accelerating the regularisation of water and wastewater services to the Water Corporation and power services to Horizon Power, and prioritising these works based on agreed criteria
- establishing and implementing a tiered regulated water, wastewater and power service standard for remote settlements (including remote Aboriginal communities and town-based reserves) to achieve equitable levels of service with other population centres of a similar size across the state
- clarifying the roles and responsibilities of entities providing municipal infrastructure and services, including roads, waste management and sport and recreation facilities
- determining appropriate funding arrangements for the provision of municipal infrastructure and services, including the need for subsidies
- investigating and pursuing opportunities for local Aboriginal residents to be trained to deliver operations and maintenance services for infrastructure.
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 9 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Actions:
9.16 Commit to improving the quality and resilience of infrastructure services provided in homeland (remote) Aboriginal communities and town-based reserves, including the National Agreement on Closing the Gap target 9b
9.17 Progress the transfer of responsibility for power, water and wastewater services to homeland (remote) and town-based Aboriginal communities from DC to the state-owned utilities Horizon Power and Water Corporation
9.18 Investigate land tenure reform to unlock land for future land-use activities – including an evaluation of the Bidyadanga Land Activation Pilot project
Current Implementation Progress
2/3 actions on schedule
1/3 actions complete
9.16 On schedule
The Remote Communities Fund (RCF) Steering Group will soon finalise the RCF master plan. Pending this, Remote Essential Municipal Services will commence works planning to complement RCF new builds and refurbishments, prioritising works across communities.
A Remote Communities Blueprint has been established by Horizon Power and engagement commenced with over 50 communities. A range of asset replacement and upgrades have been completed. The next milestones include defining the future energy system plan and decarbonisation strategy for remote communities.
9.17 Complete
Implementation is complete, noting that the responsibility for power, water and wastewater services in 141 Aboriginal communities transferred to Horizon Power and Water Corporation between 1 April - 30 June 2023.
9.18 On schedule
GTEs and DPLH continue to work on the development of the necessary deeds of transfer to effect the transfer of assets for individual communities. Formal negotiations for the transfer on land tenure in the Bidyadanga community are progressing.
Implement the WA Government's policy for net zero emissions by 2050
10. Better inform future infrastructure requirements and align infrastructure investment with the WA Climate Policy by implementing the WA Government’s policy for net zero emissions by 2050, including:
- strengthening the current net zero emissions by 2050 aspiration to become a firm target and establishing interim emissions reduction targets
- preparing and implementing net zero transition plans as required by the WA Climate Policy by an agreed deadline, that:
- align with interim targets (once defined) for Scope 1 and 2 emissions associated with facilities under the operational control of state agencies or government trading enterprises
- identify actions, with associated timing, for Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions
- include mechanisms for state agencies and government trading enterprises to report annually on progress against targets and implementation actions
- are supported by funding, resources and public sector capability training
- preparing and implementing sectoral emissions reduction strategies, as required by the WA Climate Policy by an agreed deadline, that:
- are prepared under the direction of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation with authority of a Cabinet decision
- clearly identify government policies and processes that impact emissions for the sector and the changes required to those policies and processes needed to give effect to the sectoral emissions reduction strategy
- include analysis of opportunities for state agencies and government trading enterprises to influence embodied, operational and enabled emissions
- account for enabled emissions through infrastructure design and assessment processes, and prepare infrastructure to accommodate emerging low and zero carbon technology and transitions
- identify cost-effective emission reduction actions, along with associated requirements for funding and financing, resources and public sector capability training
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 10 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Actions:
10.19 Develop a series of Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategies (SERS)
10.145 Establish a framework to prepare and implement net zero transition plans
Current Implementation Progress
1/2 actions on schedule
1/2 actions complete
10.19 Complete
Implementation is complete, noting that the SERS was published in December 2023.
10.145 On schedule
The Emissions Reduction Framework is awaiting formal endorsement by the WA Government.
Showing 1 - 10 of 93
Elevate WA’s focus on accelerating digital transformation and connectivity infrastructure
Digital connectivity and technology
Apply a digital-first approach to all stages of the infrastructure lifecycle
Digital connectivity and technology
Improve cybersecurity practices for state-owned and regulated infrastructure owners and operators
Digital connectivity and technology
Develop digital capabilities within state agencies and GTEs
Digital connectivity and technology
Undertake an assessment of WA’s science and research infrastructure needs
Digital connectivity and technology
Embed and support engagement with Traditional Owners and Custodians
Aboriginal cultural heritage, wellbeing and enterprise
Strengthen application of the Aboriginal Procurement Policy
Aboriginal cultural heritage, wellbeing and enterprise
Progressively build capacity and capability of Aboriginal businesses by developing and implementing complementary and proactive measures
Aboriginal cultural heritage, wellbeing and enterprise
Improve the quality and resilience of infrastructure and services provided in remote Aboriginal communities and town-based reserves
Aboriginal cultural heritage, wellbeing and enterprise
Implement the WA Government's policy for net zero emissions by 2050
Climate change and sustainability