DTA announces whole-of-government cloud policy

The Digital Transformation Agency has announced a new whole-of-government cloud computing policy to come into effect on 1 July 2026.

The policy provides a unified and practical framework for cloud adoption across the Australian Public Service (APS) and aims to help agencies move from aging ICT environments to platforms that offer stronger resilience, scalability and security for government services.

It applies to non-corporate Commonwealth entities, with corporate Commonwealth entities encouraged to adopt the policy where appropriate, and supports a coordinated approach to planning, procuring and managing cloud environments.

“With clear requirements in place, agencies can make more consistent and confident cloud decisions,” said Lucy Poole, Deputy CEO, DTA. “This will lift the security, performance and long-term sustainability of the systems that underpin essential services accessed daily by Australians.”

The policy has been developed to empower government entities to transition from legacy systems to secure and scalable cloud solutions and actively encourages agencies to:

• accelerate cloud adoption to modernise ICT infrastructure;
• embed AI-readiness across cloud platforms to support innovation and service delivery;
• mitigate risks associated with legacy systems and ensure resilience and security; and
• ensure responsible and secure cloud use, including data security, privacy and environmental sustainability.
   

The policy applies to all models of cloud adoption, including public, private and hybrid cloud models. It should be considered at all stages of cloud adoption, including:

• cloud procurement;
• transitions to cloud;
• data migration;
• solutions involving cloud; and
• moving away from a cloud product.
   

More information can be found at https://www.digital.gov.au/cloud-policy.

Image credit: iStock.com/Bordinthorn Loyrat