The Public Sector Podcast: Insights from a Digital Transformation Advisor

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Michelle Simpson, Digital Transformation Advisor at the WA Office of Digital Government, shares lessons from reviewing 35 major IT projects across 27 agencies since late 2023.

Key Challenges Faced:

• Weak business cases – rushed or unclear proposals, often vendor-driven.

• Delivery gaps – inexperience, inconsistent project methods, and underestimating procurement timelines.

• Transparency issues – “watermelon reporting” (green outside, red inside) undermines trust.

• Change management – projects fail when users aren’t brought along.

• Technical hurdles – legacy IT and poor-quality data causing costly setbacks.

Keys to Success

✅ Build clear business cases that focus on solving real problems
✅ Align ICT and business teams from the start
✅ Strengthen delivery capability and adopt consistent frameworks (like PRINCE2)
✅ Be transparent with stakeholders—early reporting builds trust
✅ Invest in people and change management, not just technology

Support Available

The Office of Digital Government offers:

• Business case guidance (via the SAMF framework)

• The ICT Project Delivery Framework (PRINCE2-based)

• Assurance and benefits realisation frameworks

• The new Application Modernisation Framework to help plan legacy upgrades

Takeaway: Digital transformation isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, transparency, and collaboration.

📩 Agencies can connect with DGov at info/[email protected] for support and advice.