HR and Payroll System Goes Live at Department of Climate Change

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has successfully launched a standalone HR and payroll platform, built on the Aurion system, signaling the conclusion of its shared services arrangement with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR). This shift comes as part of DCCEEW’s broader strategy to gain more control over its internal systems, particularly as the department has evolved since its establishment in mid-2022, when it assumed responsibility for climate and energy functions previously managed by the Department of Industry.

Previously, DCCEEW operated under a shared services model, utilizing a legacy system that was managed jointly with DAFF and DISR. The shared use of an Aurion and SAP system allowed for some efficiencies but also meant that DCCEEW’s HR and payroll services were dependent on the larger, multi-departmental system. This arrangement, while functional, lacked the flexibility and customization that DCCEEW needed as it grew into an independent entity with specific operational and service delivery needs.

Recognizing these limitations, DCCEEW announced plans to transition away from the shared services model in 2022, opting to establish its own, cloud-based instance of the Aurion system. This move reflects the department’s desire for more autonomy over its HR and payroll processes and a greater ability to tailor its platform to the unique needs of its staff. The new standalone system provides DCCEEW with the flexibility to configure workflows, implement updates, and manage data more effectively, without the constraints of a shared infrastructure.

The migration to the new Aurion platform has been a key milestone for DCCEEW. With over 4,000 staff members, the majority of whom have already transitioned to the new platform, the department is now preparing for the final phase of the migration. The remaining employees are expected to complete their transition by December, marking the full deployment of the new system across the department.

While DCCEEW has not publicly commented on the specifics of the project, it is understood that the department is now seeking external expertise to complete the final phase of the project. This will involve consolidating various corporate systems to create a unified enterprise resource planning (ERP) service. The goal is to deliver a modern and cohesive ERP solution that supports the entire department’s operations, from HR and payroll to other critical back-end services. The new ERP system will enable DCCEEW to streamline its internal processes, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure that the department can better manage resources as it continues to grow and evolve.

In addition to the obvious administrative and operational benefits, the new system will provide DCCEEW with more control over its data and a better user experience for staff. By moving away from a shared infrastructure, the department can ensure that its systems are more aligned with its specific needs and objectives. It will also enable the department to adopt more advanced technology solutions and make future upgrades more seamless and tailored to its evolving needs.

This transition to a standalone HR and payroll platform is a significant step for DCCEEW as it continues to modernize its operations. It underscores the department’s commitment to enhancing its internal systems and ensuring that it has the necessary technological infrastructure to support its diverse range of functions, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of climate change, energy, and environmental policy. By strengthening its IT capabilities, DCCEEW will be better positioned to serve the needs of its staff, manage resources more efficiently, and adapt to future challenges in a dynamic and complex regulatory landscape.