Chapter 4—Management and accountability
Information management
Old Parliament House continued to make use of the information and communications technology (ICT) services of DEWHA until 31 October 2008, as part of the agreed arrangements for its transition to an Executive Agency.
During this period, arrangements were made for the provision of ICT services under a memorandum of understanding with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Necessary technical links were established, and relevant technology was rolled out in time for the new service arrangement to commence on 1 November 2008. Old Parliament House worked closely with the department to achieve a smooth transition. This was successfully accomplished, with minimal disruption to normal operations.
Responsibility for ICT management, liaison, policy and online services was assigned to the Heritage Section, which became the Heritage and Information Technology Section. Representatives of the agency and the department meet monthly, and more often if required, to monitor service delivery and management.
Relevant guidelines were developed and implemented during 2008–09, including processes for the development of business cases and assessment of new ICT projects. These processes ensure that all project proposals are fully scoped, project plans are prepared, risk analyses are undertaken, life-cycle costing is considered in the initial scoping and implementation phase, and the relevance to the strategic direction of the agency is clear. The processes were based on extensive consultation within the agency.
In 2008–09, several major ICT projects were completed:
- The agency successfully moved into its new ICT operating environment, involving the introduction of new desktop computers for all staff and a new Standard Operating Environment.
- A connection to the Australian Academic Research Network (AARNet) was created. AARNet is a not-for-profit, high-speed network that facilitates engagement with learning groups nationally and internationally. This connection enables the effective use and monitoring of the technology in the new museum exhibitions.
- The agency’s own intranet was developed, providing relevant information resources and facilities for staff.
- The agency’s website was redeveloped and substantially upgraded and became the website of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House (as described in more detail in the report on performance for Output 1.2).