Overview
As Australia’s public sector accelerates digital transformation, the need for accurate, efficient and accessible data reporting continues to grow. With 103 major digital projects across 43 agencies and a combined budget of $9.7 billion in 2026, reliable business intelligence is essential to tracking performance, identifying risks and supporting informed decisions.
Microsoft Power BI helps government teams turn complex data into clear, actionable insights. This practical, hands-on course introduces the fundamentals of self-service business intelligence, from connecting and preparing data to building interactive reports and dashboards.
Participants will learn to use Power BI Desktop to transform and model data, create meaningful visualisations, and publish and share insights through the Power BI Service.
Register now to build practical Power BI skills, streamline reporting processes and make more confident, data-driven decisions across your organisation.
Who Should Attend?
This fundamentals-level course is designed for APS 4–APS 6 and EL 1 staff (state, territory and local government equivalents) who need to build foundational skills in business intelligence, data transformation, and digital reporting using Power BI. Ideal for participants who: Are new to Power BI and need structured, practical fundamentals Prepare data for reporting or dashboards Want to build interactive visuals and publish reports to the Power BI Service Support data-driven decision-making within their team or agency
Relevant roles include: Data, Reporting and Insights Officers | Program and Project Officers | Policy Officers | ICT and Digital Officers supporting analytics | Business Analysts (early career) | Finance, Procurement or Planning Officers | Governance, Performance or Operations Officers | EL 1 team leaders overseeing reporting or data processes |
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Get and Transform Data – Learn how to use Power Query to efficiently import, clean, and transform data into Power BI.
Build Strong Data Models – Understand the fundamentals of data relationships and modelling to ensure accurate and meaningful insights.
Design Interactive Reports – Gain hands-on experience in managing report pages, themes, and layouts to create engaging and accessible reports.
Master Cell Referencing – Learn how to apply relative, absolute, and mixed referencing (using F4) for dynamic and flexible calculations.
Apply DAX Fundamentals – Develop a solid understanding of Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) and create simple yet powerful calculations and measures.
Create and Format Visualisations – Discover how to build compelling visualisations that clearly communicate data stories and performance metrics.
Use the Power BI Service – Learn how to publish, share, and collaborate securely within the Power BI Service environment.
Develop Dashboards – Understand the difference between reports and dashboards, and learn to design dashboards that deliver clear, actionable insights.
Online Training
Power BI Essentials for Government
Session details
- Build a strong foundation in data analytics – Gain the core skills needed to confidently work with data using Power BI.
- Enhance your ability to interpret and communicate insights – Use advanced tools and techniques to transform raw data into meaningful information.
- Empower self-service analytics – Reduce reliance on IT teams by creating and managing your own interactive dashboards and reports.
- Transform the way you present information – Develop compelling, data-driven visuals that clearly communicate performance, trends, and outcomes.
No prior Power BI experience is required, making this course suitable for both beginners and those looking to strengthen their foundational knowledge.
Registration for this course is not open yet. To register your interest, please email [email protected].
Meet Your Facilitator
Nicky Bull
Corporate Consultant Blue Chameleon
Nicky Bull is a dynamic corporate trainer and consultant. She has 15 years of commercial experience as a computer programmer and analyst, and over ten years designing and delivering a range of educational programs. She lectures accounting students at Macquarie University and is the creator of the highly acclaimed Excel for Data Analytics Specialisation on the Coursera platform.
Nicky is passionate about learning and enabling people to use technology confidently and effectively in their workplace. She holds a BSc Hons in Computer Science, a BA in English Literature, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
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