The Digital Investment Fund (DIF) was established as part of the 2023-24 State Budget, with an initial investment of $200 million over five years to drive strategic and targeted investment in cyber security and digital initiatives across the South Australian public sector.
In the 2025–26 Budget, the government expanded this commitment increasing the fund’s total value to $326.5 million.
This expanded investment establishes a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) program within the DIF and ensures ongoing future capacity for the DIF to continue driving impactful digital initiatives across government. The new AI program will support targeted AI proof of value (PoV) trials to promote the scalable use of AI across government and facilitate the development of multiple use cases on trusted foundational technologies.
The DIF is focused on:
- a more strategic approach to digital investment prioritisation and value management;
- better outcomes for government through investment in initiatives aligned to the whole of government digital strategies and technologies;
- improved opportunities for the digital sector, via a published pipeline of funded digital and AI projects; and
- improved value for money outcomes.
Eligibility and Application Process: Eligible applicants for the DIF are South Australian public authorities as defined under the Public Finance and Audit Act 1987. All funding applications must comply with the DIF application process, investment principles and governance framework to ensure transparency and accountability in project selection and funding approval. Additional information on digital and AI funding streams, including the respective application processes are available on the DIF Extranet. Please note that access is restricted to South Australian government agencies and staff.
Funded Digital Initiatives: Following the establishment of the DIF a series of priority initiatives were identified and assessed for funding. Further new initiatives have since been approved for funding under the scheme, with a number of other submissions currently under assessment. Below is a list of digital initiatives funded under the DIF to date:
| # | Initiative | Purpose | South Australian Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justice Information System – Sustainment and Modernisation | The initiative aims to transition the Justice Information System (JIS) off its mainframe environment to a modern platform, reducing reliance on legacy technologies, minimising operational costs, and enhancing justice-related service delivery. | Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) |
| 2 | Screening Transformation Program | The initiative is dedicated to enhancing the screening process to ensure timely and robust decisions that safeguard some of the most vulnerable members of the South Australian community. | Department of Human Services (DHS) |
| 3 | Statewide Digital Connectivity | This initiative aims to deliver a Statewide Digital Connectivity Plan, to inform strategic planning and whole-of-government decision-making for investment in digital connectivity for South Australia. This will ultimately help improve connectivity in areas within South Australia that do not have adequate coverage. | Office of the Chief Information Officer, Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) |
| 4 | Stronger Cyber, Future Ready Program | This comprehensive initiative aims to significantly bolster South Australian cyber security posture, addressing existing vulnerabilities and preparing our state for future challenges. It aims to enhance cyber security resilience across the SA Government through strengthened prevention, faster and more precise incident detection and isolation, and improved capabilities to withstand and respond to cyber-attacks. | Office of the Chief Information Officer, Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) |
| 5 | Reforms to Parliamentary and Other Election Systems | This initiative aims to develop a modern election management platform for all South Australian elections, with plans to support and integrate this platform into future election cycles while maintaining continuity with existing systems. | Electoral Commission South Australia (ECSA) |
| 6 | Mainframe decommissioning Program | The initiative aims to transition SA Police and justice sector agencies from an aging, mainframe platform to modern, secure, and cost-effective solutions. | South Australian Police (SAPOL) |
| 7 | Digital & ICT Strategy Investment Roadmap | The initiative delivered a Digital & ICT Strategy and Investment Roadmap, enabling the EPA to prioritise key ICT investments and drive a business-aligned digital modernisation roadmap for greater agility and efficiency. It also established a repeatable framework and playbook for other SA Government agencies to develop their own Digital & ICT Strategy. | Environment Protection Authority (EPA) |
| 8 | eBrief Digital Evidence Lodgement – Discovery Phase | This initiative aims to standardise the lodgement and management of audio, photo, and video files in their original formats for South Australian courts. The DIF has funded the discovery phase, which includes engaging stakeholders, documenting processes, defining system requirements, and building a business case for future investment in digital evidence management. | Courts Administration Authority (CAA) |
| 9 | Teacher’s Registration Board – System Replacement | The initiative aims to implement a new registration solution to support the future growth of TRB and address the current challenges and risks associated with its current system. This overhaul of the Teachers’ Registration Board’s online system is set to improve child safety, by enabling real-time qualification and background checks on teachers, including in relation to misconduct matters. | Teachers Registration Board of South Australia (TRB) |
| 10 | One Stop Shop | This initiative has resulted in an improved sa.gov.au platform, simplified transaction processes, an increase in the number of services accessible on-line, and a dashboard to offer South Australians an improved online experience for accessing government services. | Office of the Chief Information Officer, Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) |
| 11 | C3MS Modernisation, eCARL & eLOG Replacement – Phase 1 | The initiative seeks to modernise and replace outdated internal management systems at DCP, which are crucial for the operations of both DCP and DHS (Youth Justice). As part of this effort, the department is currently conducting requirements discovery and market analysis. These activities will form the basis of a comprehensive transformation program aimed at developing a contemporary and adaptable systems landscape that addresses both current and future departmental needs. | Department for Child Protection (DCP) |
| 12 | Funding Central System Implementation | The DHS is delivering a new grants processing system aimed at replacing the various outdated legacy systems and consolidating functionalities into a single platform, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of back-office operations. A multi-agency reference group has been set up to further leverage this investment for potential use across other agencies. | Department of Human Services (DHS) |
| 13 | Electronic Patient Care Record Solution | This initiative will provide an in ambulance electronic patient care record (ePCR) system, allowing paramedics rapid access to clinical information, including patient medical history, and enabling live sharing with hospital clinicians and the State Health Coordination Centre. The system will integrate with hospitals' electronic medical record system, streamlining workflows and enhancing communication. | South Australia Ambulance Service (SAAS) |
For any enquiries regarding the DIF, please contact the Department of Treasury and Finance at DigitalInvestmentFund@sa.gov.au.