Australia rises to second globally in the OECD Digital Government Index
Australia's OECD ranking validates current AI and digital governance frameworks - useful context for agency strategy documents and external engagement.
Key points
- Australia ranked 2nd globally in the 2025 OECD Digital Government Index, scoring 88% across 42 countries.
- The APS AI Plan and responsible AI policy are cited as contributors to Australia's improved 'proactiveness' dimension ranking.
- AI governance is one thread in a broader digital government story; not the primary focus of this item.
Summary
The DTA has announced Australia's rise to 2nd place in the OECD's 2025 Digital Government Index, up from 5th in 2023. The result reflects progress across governance, shared platforms, and user-centred service design. The APS AI Plan and the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government are specifically credited with improving Australia's 'proactiveness' score. The DTA signals ongoing work on AI technical standards, generative AI guidance, and data governance as areas for continued investment.
Implications for Australian agencies
- Consider Agencies developing AI strategy or capability documentation could reference Australia's OECD ranking as external validation of the current governance framework.
- Monitor The full OECD Digital Government Index findings are due later in 2026 and may contain more granular assessments worth reviewing for AI governance benchmarking.
Implications are AI-generated. Starting points, not advice.
"Australia rises to second globally in the OECD Digital Government Index" Source: Digital Transformation Agency Published: 16 February 2026 URL: https://www.dta.gov.au/articles/australia-rises-second-globally-oecd-digital-government-index The DTA has announced Australia's rise to 2nd place in the OECD's 2025 Digital Government Index, up from 5th in 2023. The result reflects progress across governance, shared platforms, and user-centred service design. The APS AI Plan and the Policy for the Responsible Use of AI in Government are specifically credited with improving Australia's 'proactiveness' score. The DTA signals ongoing work on AI technical standards, generative AI guidance, and data governance as areas for continued investment. Implications for Australian agencies: - [Consider] Agencies developing AI strategy or capability documentation could reference Australia's OECD ranking as external validation of the current governance framework. - [Monitor] The full OECD Digital Government Index findings are due later in 2026 and may contain more granular assessments worth reviewing for AI governance benchmarking. Retrieved from SIMS, 18 May 2026.