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Introduction: The Importance of the PGPA Act for Australian Organizations
The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (PGPA) Act 2013 is a key piece of Australian government regulation shaping how Commonwealth entities manage governance, performance and accountability. For software developers and product managers working within or with federal agencies, understanding the PGPA Act and its impact on cyber risk management and compliance is increasingly essential. This article breaks down the main concepts of the PGPA Act and PGPA Rule, their connection to Australian cybersecurity frameworks and practical implications for digital security in the public sector.
PGPA Act: Core Principles and Governance Requirements
The PGPA Act is designed to set transparent and accountable standards for how government organizations manage public resources. It enforces clear requirements for governance, risk management and transparent reporting across Commonwealth entities and companies. Annual performance and compliance reporting, integrity in resource management and strong internal controls are all mandated by the PGPA Act and backed up by administrative sanctions for non-compliance.
How the PGPA Act Shapes Cybersecurity and Risk Management
A key aspect of the PGPA Act for software teams is its focus on risk oversight, especially as it relates to digital infrastructure. Section 16 of the Act requires all accountable authorities to implement effective systems for risk management , including cyber risk. Section 17 takes this further, demanding robust internal control systems to protect information and digital assets from unauthorized access or data breaches. Any deficiencies here can result in legal or reputational consequences, as the government steps up enforcement of security frameworks in Australia.
The Role of the PGPA Rule in Cybersecurity Compliance
Complementing the core Act, the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Rule 2014 (PGPA Rule) translates broad legislative principles into more actionable compliance steps. While the PGPA Rule is not exclusively about cybersecurity, it explicitly covers areas such as risk management (with cyber threats included), information safeguarding and structured reporting that’s relevant for cyber defense. Both internal and external audits under the PGPA Rule are increasingly scrutinizing cybersecurity measures, so technical teams need to be ready to demonstrate good practices around user authentication, data integrity and incident response.
Aligning With Broader Australian Security Frameworks
The PGPA compliance approach is part of a larger network of Australian cybersecurity regulations, most notably the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act 2018, the Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM) and the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF). By promoting a culture of transparency and continuous risk assessment, the PGPA Act encourages organizations to embed cyber risk management into every level of their operations , ensuring resilience against evolving threats.
Practical Takeaways for Developers and Product Managers
For software engineers and product leads, the PGPA Act underscores the need for robust authentication flows, secure handling of sensitive data and clear, auditable processes across all digital services. Key PGPA requirements to keep in mind:
- Implement secure, scalable risk management (including for passkey-based authentication)
- Ensure internal controls can withstand audits and regulatory reviews
- Be ready to support transparent reporting of cybersecurity performance
Meeting these standards is not just about ticking boxes for PGPA compliance. Strong security and accountability improve trust with users, partners and the broader public sector ecosystem.
Conclusion: Integrate Compliance for Trust and Cyber Resilience
The PGPA Act, together with the PGPA Rule, forms a foundation for governance, performance and digital security across Australian Commonwealth entities. By aligning cybersecurity programs with these standards, organizations can reinforce compliance, strengthen cyber risk management and establish a reliable reputation for digital trust.
Find out more about how the PGPA Act affects cyber risk management and practical compliance strategies on our full blog article:
https://www.corbado.com/blog/pgpa-act