Sir Peter Gershon has delivered his final report on the independent review of the Australian Government's use of information and communication technology (ICT) to the Rudd Government.

Sir Peter provided Lindsay Tanner, Minister for Finance and Deregulation with a set of recommendations as to how the Australian Government may strengthen the whole-of-government management of ICT and maximise the benefits of its application to Government services.

Lindsay Tanner said: “Sir Peter has undertaken a critical body of work and has provided the Government with a number of key recommendations on how we can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our application of ICT to service delivery.”

“Sir Peter has conducted an extensive series of consultations with a range of stakeholders from within government, the ICT industry and related representative organisations.

“He has applied his extensive experience obtained in major strategic reviews in the UK with an evidence-based approach, and has developed a range of robust and achievable recommendations for the Australian Government.”

The report is a very comprehensive and detailed analysis of a wide range of issues affecting the Government’s use and management of ICT and also outlines a staged plan for the implementation of recommendations.

Sir Peter Gershon said: “My recommendations involve a major program of both administrative reform and cultural change within the Australian Public Service.”

“With sustained leadership and drive at Ministerial and top official levels, and by providing the enablers of change with the necessary resources, not only in funding terms, but also skills of the right calibre, the Australian Government through implementing these recommendations can drive significant improvements in its use of ICT.

“I am confident that the recommended actions and proposed changes can be successfully implemented over the next two to three years, and will deliver substantial benefits to the Australian Government.”

The Government will now consider the recommendations and implementation plan Sir Peter has provided.

Lindsay Tanner said: “The model proposed by Sir Peter details a number of critical areas where we can maximise the returns from our ICT investment and improve our institutional arrangements to realise greater benefits.”

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