2026 , if I were briefing a candidate on what the Services Australia role is likely supporting, I would focus less on legacy gateway environments and more on the agency's ongoing network and security modernisation program. Known Services Australia Network & Security Transformation Themes
Telecommunications Services Program (TSP)
Services Australia commenced a significant telecommunications transformation program to replace its legacy network environment, including the move to a modern
SD-WAN
architecture and managed network services model. The program supports Services Australia and several partner government agencies. [itnews.com.au], [innovationaus.com], [techpartner.news] Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) & Zero Trust
Services Australia adopted a number of
Zscaler
technologies as part of its security transformation strategy, including: Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) The objective was to move away from traditional VPN and centralised gateway models toward cloud-delivered security and direct internet access. [itnews.com.au],
Transformation activities include: Enterprise WAN replacement SD-WAN deployment Network refresh and modernisation Secure internet access transformation Branch and remote workforce connectivity Network service transition and operational handover Removal of legacy network dependencies and internet gateway bottlenecks [techpartner.news], [itnews.com.au] Cyber Security & Resilience
Services Australia's 2026 strategy specifically references the need to continue strengthening cyber security capability and resilience in response to evolving threats and recent technologies. [servicesau...lia.gov.au] What This Means for Candidate Alignment
The strongest candidates for the role will typically demonstrate direct experience with: SD-WAN SASE Zscaler ZIA / ZPA Zero Trust architectures Gateway modernisation Enterprise WAN/LAN transformation Fortinet / Cisco firewall programs Network segmentation Secure connectivity Production transition and operational readiness Change governance and CAB processes Large Government or highly regulated environments