Australia’s Federal Digital Projects

Australia’s Major Digital Projects Report 2026 shows the federal government has 103 active or planned digital projects, with a combined budget of $9.7 billion (including $5.9B already spent on technology). 

These projects span 43 agencies and cover areas such as cyber security, data & analytics, service modernisation, identity, and legacy system upgrades.  For the tech sector, this represents sustained demand – not a one-off spike – for digital solutions across multiple domains.

Government digital programs are often delivered via panels and framework agreements rather than single large contracts.  The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has coordinated marketplaces and pre-approved panels (e.g. the Digital Marketplace and BuyICT) to streamline procurement.  

In 2023–24 the government sourced over $6.4 billion of IT products and services from industry via these channels.  This means businesses that join panels or offer niche services through government channels can readily access a share of this investment.  The DTA’s latest ICT labour-hire panel even adopts standard skills frameworks (e.g. SFIA) to make it clear which specialist roles – like software engineers, solution architects, and business analysts – are in highest demand.

Opportunities Across Sectors

The project portfolio is diverse. Healthcare & aged care leads with $2.2B across 16 projects (modernising health portals, data-sharing platforms, etc.)  

The Government sector itself has $1.3B in 14 projects (cybersecurity upgrades, legacy ICT overhauls, polling place tech, etc.).  Tax & superannuation and Services projects together exceed $1.6B, reflecting new digital tax systems and welfare service modernisation.  Even agriculture, education, and environmental sectors are investing heavily in digital tools (e.g. $1.0B in agri-tech systems ).  In short, virtually every agency with digital needs is running major programs. Tech firms with domain expertise (e.g. health IT, tax software, cybersecurity solutions) can find opportunities within these large programs, not just by winning top-line contracts.

How Vendors Can Engage

• Leverage panels and frameworks.  Much of the work flows through government-approved panels and shared contracts .  Becoming an approved vendor on these platforms (or teaming with panel members) is often faster than chasing one-off tenders.

• Focus on where you fit.  The businesses that win are those that know exactly which agencies value their solutions.  For example, a company expert in data analytics might target health and finance projects, where digital dashboards and data platforms are priorities .

• Build credibility early.  High-performing projects share traits like strong governance and clear benefit management . Firms should engage before tenders are announced – e.g. through industry consultations or innovation trials – so they are “in the room” as projects take shape.

• Stay agile and collaborative.  The report notes many new projects are being “right-sized” into smaller stages to reduce risk .  This means opportunities often come as successive tranches. Vendors with flexible delivery models and a willingness to co-design solutions can thrive in this environment.

In summary, the DTA report confirms government digital procurement is broad and ongoing . For Australian tech firms (from software start-ups to large integrators), success comes from understanding where their capabilities align with government priorities, and engaging through the government’s established channels. By doing so, they can tap into a multi-billion-dollar pipeline of digital projects delivering services to Australians.

Get involved with our Federal Government Innovation Week in Canberra, 21-22 October 2026.