Obsolescence in frontline ICT hardware, software and supporting network infrastructure is sesemic in the Victorian public service according to a review conducted by the state’s Auditor General.

 

The audit investigated the state of ICT assets in a number of key departments in the state, including the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority, Victoria Police and the Department of Treasury and Finance.

 

The Auditor General concluded that the obsolescence of frontline ICT assets is not given adequate recognition, despite their pivotal place in delivering frontline service delivery.

 

“Inadequate management of the inevitable obsolescence of frontline ICT assets could, at best, lead to poor or degraded service delivery by public sector agencies. At worst, it could lead to widespread equipment failure and extended outages of critical public services,” the report found.

 

The Auditor General concluded that a complete overhaul of the existing management model is needed to better reflect both the importance and the rapid ageing of ICT assets in the public service.

 

“This would assist agencies to better plan and provide for ICT obsolescence costs across the life of their ICT asset base. Funding arrangements for frontline ICT assets should take into account all the costs involved in sustaining the existing capacity of essential services,” the report said.

 

The full report can be found here