DAS is expected to take effect in early 2027. The draft went out for public consultation, which closed on 7 August 2026, so we now have a good idea of what’s coming.
Here’s our interpretation of what’s in the draft, what it could mean for your agency, and what you can do now to prepare for it. Keep in mind that some details may still change before the standard is finalised.
Who and what DAS will apply to
The draft has indicated which public service agencies may be required to meet DAS. These are public service departments, departmental agencies, interdepartmental executive boards and interdepartmental ventures. Note that the agencies covered are still being confirmed, so the final scope may shift. Agencies outside the mandate will still be encouraged to follow DAS as guidance.
The draft covers more than just public-facing ICT. It also applies to internal ICT, such as the software that employees use day to day.