Australian Government Architecture
Search

Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

Definition 

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules, protocols, and tools that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It acts as an intermediary layer that allows the transfer of data between different systems, services, and libraries. APIs enable organisations to open their application data and functionality to internal branches, business partners, third-party developers, and other key internal and external stakeholders. 

Purpose 

API capability is realised through: 

  1. The use and deployment of system-specific APIs provided by technology platform suppliers to allow direct system interface and system-to-system interoperability. 
  2. The use of API gateways, both proprietary and open source, that allow the connection of single or multiple APIs in addition to providing routing, monitoring, and security and access control functions. 
  3. The development and release of system-specific APIs by platform owners, typically Commonwealth entities responsible for platform development and maintenance. Supply of theses APIs will be at the discretion of the developing entity and will be dependent on the interoperability context (e.g. internal, intra-entity, internal). 

Objective 

The objectives of this Australian Government Architecture (AGA) content are to: 

  • enable interoperability between Commonwealth entities
  • facilitate sharing of non-sensitive data, where suitable and in accordance with Information Asset Management guidelines, to individuals and organisations who might use it to the benefit of the Commonwealth
  • consolidate and standardise API solutions with aligned functions to increase efficiency and reduce the complexity of government service delivery
  • establish and implement consistent standards or designs where entity solutions require API use
  • ensure that new solutions that require the use of APIs draw efficiency from preceding investments, implementations, and learnings
  • recognise and protect the Commonwealth’s investment in the development of APIs as a valuable ICT asset
  • promote decoupling of business systems and processes to ensure agility when upgrading or modifying an entity’s ICT environment
  • encourage adoption, where suitable, of low-code to no-code solutions that allow the development of APIs through a human centred interface rather than programmatically
  • maximise the potential for reuse across government when implementing new systems that need APIs
  • reduce implementation risk through the reuse of proven designs within government
  • leverage whole-of-government (WofG) purchasing arrangements for the supply of technology supplier-specific APIs.  

Whole-of-Government Applicability 

API solutions contribute to the seamless delivery of government services by leveraging: 

  • a cross-agency shared API services portal that provides API development standards (api.gov.au)
  • reuse of API Designs identified on the AGA website
  • replication of proven API development approaches
  • low-code and no-code opportunities to assist APS skills development, removing a layer of design development complexity and utilising available analyst expertise
  • mobility of APS employees to support knowledge sharing and multi-skilling
  • reuse of commercial engagements for API supply, including WofG procurement arrangements
  • reuse of lessons learned from preceding API development and release activities
  • large volumes of non-sensitive data held by Commonwealth entities that may be analysed by interested external individuals or organisations to provide benefit to the community.

Policy Elements

Policy:
POL34
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) Policy Mandate:
Endorsed
Status:
Core
  • Understand the evolving API technology environment 

    The development approach and design decision should be informed by an understanding of current and emerging API development best practice.  

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of non-functional requirements and considerations 

    Before commencing any technology investigation, entities should analyse and assess their specific needs and determine requirements for their API solution.  

  • Utilise api.gov.au as a central resource 

    api.gov.au is maintained for Whole of Government (WofG) API development and distribution, providing guidance, related templates, and visibility of new API releases. The site provides guidance on what is already expected as the minimum standard for API development and maintains a repository that should be published where suitable. 

  • Adhere to reuse principles 

    Analyse the current API technology environment against your requirements, identifying gaps and opportunities for reuse. Ensure the ongoing viability of API solutions through continual improvement of processes, and features, data, security, technology, skills, and cost. 

  • Lower development and maintenance complexity of API solutions 

    Low-code/no-code documented process and business rules logic that may be utilised across the development of multiple API channels and interfaces. 

  • Determine an appropriate API release, fair use, and distribution strategy 

    API owners have discretion over how, and to whom, they release APIs that facilitate interfacing with their systems. A transparent approach to availability for release, conditions of use and the distribution mechanism, is encouraged.  

  • Ensure the sustainability of API solutions 

    Continual improvement of processes, and features, data, security, technology, skills, and cost should remain a focus to maximise functionality, reduce risk, and minimise accumulation of technical debt.

Domains

This capability is part of the following domain.
DOM8

Integration and Interoperability

Policies

The following policies have requirements that impact this capability.

Standards

The following standards support development of digital solutions in this capability.
API solutions can facilitate the interconnection of Commonwealth entity, supplier, and partner functionality needed by government to manage internal and external engagements with stakeholders. Internal interoperability via API functionality can increase productivity, efficiency, accuracy, and…

Designs

The following designs include examples of how digital solutions in this capability can be delivered.
Dataplace is the digital platform to find and request Australian Government data. The platform brings together those wanting to get access to data (such as researchers and those working on public policy and delivering public services) with Australian Government agencies who are the data custodians…
API.gov.au has been designed to give technology developers, researchers, and other parties access to a range of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that can be used to integrate systems access to a range of functions from across government. Note - the current platform has been released as a…
The ABS Data API (Beta) allows you to request detailed ABS statistics including economic, social and Census data. Data is published after embargo is lifted at 11:30am and is usually available by 12:30pm (Canberra time) on release day. The API provides detailed access to a wide range of ABS releases…
The ABS Indicator API allows you to request headline economic statistics from the ABS including Australia's key economic indicators. Data is published as soon as the embargo is lifted at 11:30am (Canberra time) on release day. All datasets are small, containing only the most in-demand data, so…
Was this information helpful?

Do not include any personal information. We are unable to respond to comments or feedback. If you would like a response, please email, or phone us. Our details are on the AGA contact page www.architecture.digital.gov.au/contact-us.