Spotlight on Federal Government Spotlight on Federal Government

It’s been a huge 12 months in digital and information technology for the Federal government, with a slew of root-and-branch reforms, major renewals and service delivery transformations flowing on from the election and its preceding Budget.

After years of edging towards a cohesive, joined-up digital government, it’s fair to say the rubber is now hitting the road across all major portfolios as agencies across welfare and social services, revenue, security and defence, infrastructure and environment all retool their tech shops.

For the last two decades, iTnews has been the go-to source for objective, informed and in-depth daily coverage of the federal technology sector, looking inside the big shifts, important deals and crucial projects that define how policy, services and national infrastructure are delivered.

We’ve also detailed how public sector leaders harness the digital imperative and what it takes to get execution and delivery humming and the challenges the public sector, wider community, industry and stakeholders face along the way.

This year, the Benchmark Awards 2020 received entries from federal agencies detailing such efforts and showcasing how Canberra is not just talking technology, but using it to deliver outcomes that matter for Australians.

 

ATO to upgrade its IBM mainframe again in quiet $104.8m deal

ATO to upgrade its IBM mainframe again in quiet $104.8m deal

Exclusive: Selects newest generation z17.
Ry Crozier Mar 23 2026 6:53AM Hardware
Trump directs US agencies to toss Anthropic's AI

Trump directs US agencies to toss Anthropic's AI

As OpenAI swoops in.
Andrea Shalal, Jeffrey Dastin and Ryan Patrick Jones Mar 2 2026 6:11AM Software
Anthropic digs in heels in dispute with Pentagon

Anthropic digs in heels in dispute with Pentagon

No ⁠intention of easing usage restrictions for military purposes.
David Jeans, Mike Stone and Deepa Seetharaman Feb 25 2026 10:37AM Software
Russian official acknowledges Starlink systems down for two weeks

Russian official acknowledges Starlink systems down for two weeks

Impact debated.
Staff Writer Feb 18 2026 6:40AM Telco/ISP
Pentagon pushing AI companies to expand on classified networks

Pentagon pushing AI companies to expand on classified networks

Without many standard safeguards.
David Jeans and Deepa Seetharaman Feb 13 2026 6:36AM Software
Services Australia to document 40 years of business rules in core ISIS system

Services Australia to document 40 years of business rules in core ISIS system

To provide assurance around aged pension payments.
Ry Crozier Jan 29 2026 12:49PM Software
Bureau of Meteorology's VMware bill more than doubles

Bureau of Meteorology's VMware bill more than doubles

Despite usage remaining the same.
Ry Crozier Jan 28 2026 6:54AM Cloud
AI to streamline ATO contact centre operations

AI to streamline ATO contact centre operations

Genesys Engage system replacement revealed.
Andrew Colley Jan 21 2026 6:57AM Cloud
Services Australia to tap law enforcement data for staff security

Services Australia to tap law enforcement data for staff security

Privacy obligations competing with staff safety concerns.
Andrew Colley Jan 15 2026 6:43AM Cloud
Defence's VMware contract climbs to $178m

Defence's VMware contract climbs to $178m

For the next three years.
Ry Crozier Jan 13 2026 6:57AM Software
Defence spending on IT and digital contractors revealed

Defence spending on IT and digital contractors revealed

Amid moderate whole-of-gov spending reduction on external labour hire.
Ry Crozier Dec 23 2025 10:10AM Strategy
Defence to consume air-gapped Google Cloud services

Defence to consume air-gapped Google Cloud services

Under a multi-year deal.
Ry Crozier Dec 21 2025 10:47PM Cloud
ATO, AFP, AER and Veterans' Affairs get IT modernisation funds

ATO, AFP, AER and Veterans' Affairs get IT modernisation funds

Multi-year tech investments planned.
Ry Crozier Dec 17 2025 11:00PM Hardware
Defence CTO retires from the public service

Defence CTO retires from the public service

Originally appointed during ICT restructure.
Zachariah Kelly Dec 17 2025 5:41AM Training & Development
Google to build subsea cables in PNG under Australia defence treaty

Google to build subsea cables in PNG under Australia defence treaty

In a key upgrade to its digital backbone.
Kirsty Needham Dec 15 2025 6:27AM Telco/ISP
Services Australia may get powers to rein in data breach exposure

Services Australia may get powers to rein in data breach exposure

As Centrelink and Medicare identifiers continue to be compromised.
Ry Crozier Dec 10 2025 11:48AM Security
Defence to bring on trainee software engineers from Microsoft-supported program

Defence to bring on trainee software engineers from Microsoft-supported program

New hires to commence 12-month placement.
Zachariah Kelly Nov 17 2025 6:33AM Training & Development
New ATO division to de-risk major system transformations

New ATO division to de-risk major system transformations

Led by former deputy commissioner of smarter data.
Zachariah Kelly Nov 5 2025 6:52AM Strategy
Services Australia to "uplift" child support online account platform

Services Australia to "uplift" child support online account platform

Will tap into existing resources and "technology patterns".
Zachariah Kelly Oct 31 2025 6:24AM Software
ASIC's payroll revamp helps it repatriate staff from ATO

ASIC's payroll revamp helps it repatriate staff from ATO

After cessation of Modernising Business Registers program.
Zachariah Kelly Oct 21 2025 6:51AM Finance

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