GIW Federal 2025: Accelerating Digital, Data and AI Capability Across Australian Public Service by Chris Fechner

Chris Fechner, CEO of the Digital Transformation Agency, outlines priorities for 2026 at Government Innovation Showcase Federal 2025.

The Australian Public Service (APS) is at a pivotal moment. In a keynote at the Government Innovation Showcase Federal 2025, Chris Fechner shared how the APS is accelerating its digital, data, and AI capabilities to deliver smarter, citizen-focused services. With 2026 on the horizon, Fechner emphasized that technology adoption must go hand in hand with workforce skills, ethical frameworks, and cross-agency collaboration.

“The future of the Australian Public Service depends on our ability to use data and AI not just to automate, but to make smarter, citizen-centric decisions.” – Chris Fechner

Key Priorities for Advancement

Digital Acceleration: Streamlining processes and improving service delivery with integrated technology solutions.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Leveraging insights to create evidence-based policies and outcomes.

• Responsible AI Adoption: Embedding ethical principles and governance to ensure AI benefits the public.

• Workforce Capability: Developing the skills needed across the APS to lead and sustain transformation.

• Cross-Agency Collaboration: Sharing tools, knowledge, and best practices to accelerate innovation across government.

Fechner highlighted how investment in digital transformation is already showing measurable results, with improved service efficiency and faster policy development across several federal agencies. The APS is not only scaling tools but also cultivating a culture that embraces innovation and continuous learning.

As the APS moves toward 2026, Fechner’s message was clear: success depends on people, culture, and governance as much as it does on technology. By embedding innovation into everyday practices, Australia’s public service is poised to deliver smarter, more responsive services for all citizens.