It was created in November 2004 to provide the New South Wales Government with sector-wide leadership and advice on Information and Communication Technology procurement, e-government and other initiatives.

GCIO plays a key role in ensuring that the Government’s Information and Communication Technology strategies and associated programs meet the needs of the people of New South Wales.

In July 2005 the NSW Government Chief Information Officers’ or CIO Executive Council, made up of Chief Information Officers from a cross-section of agencies in the NSW Government was established. The CIO Executive Council is now the principal forum that provides executive level leadership and decision-making on the development of government-wide information and communications technology strategies.

The Government Chief Information Office in partnership with the CIO Executive Council has developed People First, the NSW Government's ICT Strategic Plan .

The Plan identifies government-wide opportunities to coordinate and strengthen the use of ICT by establishing common infrastructure and applications, sharing operational experience and capabilities and optimising investment in technology.

GCIO in partnership with the CIO Executive Council will:

• Implement People First through CIO Executive Council Working Groups
• Verify agency ICT strategies and projects against the NSW Government ICT Strategic Plan
• Work with Treasury to implement an ICT Investment Framework
• Work with Treasury and agencies to achieve the 4-year ICT savings targets
• Work with Service Delivery Officers' Groups to ensure business alignment
• Review and define the NSW Government ICT Strategic Plan on an ongoing basis to support government service delivery priorities.