Seeking CDIO: Department of Health and Aged Care Opens Search for Digital Leadership

The Department of Health and Aged Care in Australia has initiated a transformative approach to enhance its technology delivery by merging its separate IT and digital transformation units into a unified structure. This strategic realignment aims to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s digital services, which are critical in meeting the evolving needs of the public.

To spearhead this significant initiative, the department is currently in the process of recruiting a full-time chief digital and information officer (CDIO). This pivotal role will be responsible for overseeing a substantial program of information and communications technology (ICT) investments and driving essential digital reforms across the organization. Until the new CDIO is appointed, Fay Flevaras, who currently holds the position of first assistant secretary for digital transformation and delivery, will act in this capacity. This interim arrangement ensures continuity in leadership and vision during the transition period.

The CDIO will be tasked with leading the modernization of the Health and Aged Care digital ecosystem, playing a critical role in ensuring that the department’s digital tools and initiatives align seamlessly with its overarching business objectives. By doing so, the CDIO will help facilitate the achievement of desired policy outcomes. A spokesperson for the department emphasized that the establishment of this role reflects a heightened focus on the delivery of government services to the public. As the demand for digital accessibility continues to rise, this new structure aims to enhance the reach and effectiveness of services provided to Australian citizens.

In conjunction with this organizational restructuring, the department has recently appointed David Lang as its new chief information security officer (CISO). Lang’s role will also report directly to the CDIO, further emphasizing the integration of digital and security strategies within the department. This alignment is particularly important as the organization seeks to bolster its security posture in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

The need for this transformation is underscored by significant federal budget allocations aimed at enhancing ICT infrastructure. The Department of Health and Aged Care has received substantial funding in recent budgets, including $312 million in 2022, $214.5 million in 2023, and $174.5 million in 2024. These financial commitments were influenced in part by the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which, in its March 2021 report, highlighted the urgent need for major reforms to IT systems in the sector. The commission’s recommendations included a strong emphasis on the adoption of digital technologies to improve the quality of care and overall well-being of residents in aged care facilities.

As part of its ongoing program of work, the Department of Health and Aged Care is planning to develop a comprehensive data management framework. This framework will serve as a foundational layer, ensuring consistency and compliance for its forthcoming enterprise data and analytics platform. It will also facilitate data matching activities aimed at detecting incorrect or fraudulent Medicare claims. A department spokesperson articulated that this framework is a critical deliverable designed to establish effective data management structures, ensuring that the department's data assets are utilized appropriately and efficiently.

Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Aged Care awarded contracts to prominent consulting firms Accenture and Capgemini to support its digital transformation efforts. These contracts, valued at $289 million and $83.3 million respectively, reflect the department's commitment to leveraging external expertise to achieve its ambitious goals. Through these collaborations, the department aims to implement innovative solutions and best practices, thereby enhancing the delivery of health and aged care services to Australians.

Overall, the reorganization of the technology delivery framework, the establishment of the CDIO role, and the significant budgetary support highlight the Department of Health and Aged Care's commitment to embracing digital transformation. This proactive approach not only aims to improve service delivery but also seeks to foster a more integrated and efficient healthcare system capable of responding to the changing needs of the population.