Author: Matthew Miller

Quick Overview

• The ACT government is enhancing its HR system with a budget of $30.7 million.
• The PC-HRM project is under examination due to elevated staff turnover and cultural challenges.
• The initiative seeks to supersede prior unsuccessful efforts with SAP SuccessFactors.
• Agreements with Frontier Software and Accenture are vital aspects of the enhancement.
• The upgrade is anticipated to be finalized by June 2026, with complete rostering by June 2027.

Insights into the HR System Revamp

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government is currently engaged in a major upgrade of its human resources infrastructures, expected to be finished by 2026. This $30.7 million revamp, referred to as the Payroll Capability and Human Resource Management (PC-HRM) project, aims to replace obsolete systems and rectify previous shortcomings with the SAP SuccessFactors integration.

Workforce Turnover and Obstacles in the Project

The project’s personnel includes 143 members, comprising public servants, consultants, and contractors. Yet, notable turnover has been observed, with 35 new hires and 21 exits over a span of two years. Concerns regarding cultural matters, exclusion, and leadership issues have surfaced, leading to scrutiny from ACT Legislative Assembly opposition members.

Officials have cited a variety of reasons for staff departures, including project completions, new opportunities, and personal reasons while reaffirming their dedication to a respectful work environment. An ongoing evaluation is addressing these issues.

The Challenging Journey Toward Modernisation

The PC-HRM initiative follows the failed HRIMS project, which utilized $77.63 million but yielded minimal outcomes. The current endeavor focuses on upgrading the existing systems, streamlining payroll processes, and rolling out self-service features.

Contracts with Frontier Software for system support and Accenture for integration are essential to the project’s development. As of April 2025, $19.13 million has been expended, consistent with the project budget.

Prospects and Completion Schedule

Despite changes in workforce, the ACT government assures that the primary payroll and HR platform enhancements are on track for completion by June 2026. A rostering and attendance solution for the entire ACT public service is forecasted for June 2027. The complexity of the project maintains it at an “amber” status, indicating ongoing challenges and risks.

Conclusion

The ACT government’s $30.7 million HR system enhancement aims to modernise and centralise payroll and HR functions. While it confronts scrutiny over staff turnover and cultural concerns, the project is progressing towards completion by 2026, with a comprehensive rostering solution by 2027. Key collaborations with Frontier Software and Accenture are crucial to this multifaceted upgrade.

Q&A Segment

Q: What is the financial allocation for the ACT’s HR system enhancement?

A: The financial allocation for the Payroll Capability and Human Resource Management (PC-HRM) initiative is $30.7 million.

Q: What are the reasons for the project’s scrutiny?

A: The project is scrutinised due to significant staff turnover, cultural concerns, and accusations of improper conduct within the team.

Q: When is the project anticipated to reach completion?

A: The essential HR system upgrade is projected to be finished by June 2026, with a rostering solution anticipated by June 2027.

Q: Who are the primary contractors involved in the enhancement?

A: Frontier Software and Accenture are the main contractors, tasked with system support and integration respectively.

Q: What are the key functionalities of the enhanced system?

A: The enhancement seeks to centralise payroll systems, automate processes, and offer staff self-service options.

Quick Overview

• The 2025 VIC iAwards honour Victoria’s premier digital innovations.
• Categories feature Business, Government, Non-Profit, Start-Up, Sustainability, Education, and Technology.
• Featured projects include AI-enhanced cybersecurity and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems.
• Winners will participate in the National iAwards Gala Dinner in August.

Victoria’s Technological Prowess Displayed

The 2025 VIC iAwards showcased Victoria’s thriving tech landscape, orchestrated by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA). The event highlighted digital innovations transforming sectors and enhancing lives. From AI-led initiatives to eco-friendly technologies, the awards emphasised Victoria’s strength in technological advancements.

The ceremony, attended by Hon. Danny Pearson MP, reaffirmed the state’s dedication to a vibrant tech ecosystem. AIIA CEO Simon Bush commended the innovators for bolstering Victoria’s digital growth.

Business & Industry Solutions

WorkPro Ready by WorkPro

This AI-driven platform streamlines hiring by automating compliance, background verifications, and training. Equipped with a digital employment wallet, it enhances and expedites workforce management.

Government & Public Sector Innovations

CyberAlly by CSIRO’s Data61, CyberSecurity CRC

An AI-embedded assistant for Slack, CyberAlly helps security teams handle cyber alerts with a graph-driven knowledge repository, improving real-time incident management.

Smart-LX by Swinburne University of Technology

Smart-LX employs AI and solar energy to provide immediate alerts at passive level crossings, enhancing safety in remote locations cost-effectively.

Protecting Our Students by Department of Education Victoria

This initiative safeguards over 800,000 users by utilising Microsoft’s Information Barriers, prioritising child safety in collaborative environments.

Not-for-Profit & Community Solutions

MOST by Orygen Digital

MOST is a digital mental health platform designed for youth aged 12-25, merging clinical assistance and peer engagement for a scalable solution alongside traditional care.

Start-Up Innovations

Drone-Hand by Drone-Hand Pty Ltd

This drone technology delivers real-time insights for livestock management, replacing manual checks with automation for greater precision in agriculture.

Minikai by Minikai Pty Ltd

Minikai’s AI agents automate regulatory documentation in disability and aged care, allowing caregivers to dedicate more time to direct support while ensuring adherence to regulations.

Sustainability & Environmental Solutions

Hydrogen-Electric Propulsion by Stralis Aircraft

Stralis Aircraft’s cutting-edge system boosts aircraft performance while minimising emissions, paving the way for a more sustainable aviation sector.

Student & Education Solutions

TAPI by Brisbane Girls Grammar School

TAPI promotes preschool autonomy through a task-assistant platform, fostering early education in an innovative way.

Technology Platform Innovations

Corella by Queensland Department of Education with CDSB

Corella leverages generative AI to enhance educational experiences, empowering both students and instructors in Queensland.

Neurodesk by The University of Queensland

Neurodesk provides a platform for sophisticated neuroimaging analysis, facilitating research in intricate neurological investigations.

Potential Platform by WithYouWithMe

This AI-powered platform aligns skills with opportunities, supporting workforce development for individuals and organizations.

The winners will vie for recognition at the National iAwards Gala Dinner in August, receiving backing from industry leaders such as Optus, Lenovo, and Deloitte, highlighting Victoria’s leadership in tech innovation.

For further details, visit AIIA.

Summary

The 2025 VIC iAwards showcased Victoria’s pivotal role in digital innovation across multiple sectors, with winners moving forward to earn national acclaim. The event spotlighted groundbreaking solutions in AI, cybersecurity, sustainable technologies, and more, cementing Victoria’s reputation as a tech centre.

Q: What is the VIC iAwards?

A: The VIC iAwards recognise digital innovation in Victoria, honouring solutions that transform sectors and enhance lives.

Q: Which sectors were spotlighted in the 2025 awards?

A: Categories included Business, Government, Non-Profit, Start-Up, Sustainability, Education, and Technology.

Q: Who was present at the event?

A: The occasion was attended by Hon. Danny Pearson MP and tech leaders from across Victoria, showcasing the state’s dedication to tech innovation.

Q: What are some significant innovations from the awards?

A: Innovations featured included AI-powered cybersecurity tools, a hydrogen-electric aircraft propulsion mechanism, and digital mental health resources for young people.

Q: What is the next step for the winners?

A: Winners will compete at the National iAwards Gala Dinner in August for national recognition.

Q: How do the awards influence Victoria’s tech ecosystem?

A: The awards emphasize Victoria’s leadership in tech innovation, attracting support from prominent industry stakeholders and cultivating a vibrant tech environment.