Drawing on the experience of other jurisdictions, the Australian Government decided to phase in the implementation of Gateway over three budget cycles to allow time to consider the nuances of Gateway and adapt it where appropriate. In taking this approach, FMA agencies have the time, support, and opportunity to be fully engaged in the establishment of Gateway in the Australian Government, thereby helping to realise the benefits of Gateway.

A particular benefit of this phased approach has been having the time to develop an Australian Government focused Gateway training program and to train suitable Australian Public Service (APS) staff and private sector personnel as Gateway reviewers. One of the main outcomes sought in introducing Gateway into the Australian Government was to share and improve upon the project management skills of the APS. The involvement of public servants as reviewers capitalises on this existing expertise and facilitates the development and dissemination of project management and other skills across the APS.