The government released its whole-of-government strategy for digital industry and service transformation, along with a revised cloud policy in June. The Our Digital Future strategy is designed to create a digital economy and integrate government services.
Technology minister for Tasmania says the initiative will deliver more efficient processes and bring more government services online. Our Digital Future sets a clear agenda for whole-of-Government digital transformation and more strategic use of technology including cloud services, he said in a statement. It would also help the state recover from COVID-19 and improve the safety of government-held data, the minister said.
An Australian software firm will host the date, with all seven agencies scheduled to be on the cloud by 2022. The agencies involved in the transformation project include the DP&C; Treasury; education; state growth, primary industries parks, water and environment; police; fire and emergency management; and justice.
The CEO of the company stated that the transition marked a historic moment for the island state. COVID-19 has seen a renewed driver for all governments to embrace Software as a Service (SaaS) – not only to support remote work but also because it provides peace of mind.
According to the Policy, the Tasmanian Government is committed to supporting initiatives that encourage the benefits of digital transformation to accrue more evenly across all sectors of the community and regions of the State. As more and more essential services and information sources are delivered online, people must be afforded equal access to the tools and skills necessary for them to successfully navigate the internet and participate freely in a digitally inclusive environment.
Through three main facets, Community, Economy and Government, Tasmania aims to boost digital transformation.
Community
All Tasmanians should have an equal opportunity to interact with digital services and information in ways that are easy to use, convenient and readily available.
While Tasmania typically experiences lower levels of digital literacy and digital inclusion compared to mainland counterparts, these are improving. Tasmania’s Department of State Growth is working collaboratively with industry partners, Libraries Tasmania, other government agencies and the Tasmanian community sector to develop targeted initiatives for lifelong learning and digital inclusion.
In pursuing a digital future, the Tasmanian Government’s goal is to provide more responsive public services and information that can be easily understood and used by all Tasmanians, designed for access through mobile phones and other hand-held devices.
Economy
Tasmania’s economy will be bolstered by the competitive advantage, productivity growth and prosperity enabled by knowledge-driven digital transformation.
Economic success is intrinsically linked to the ability to embrace and actively participate in the digital revolution. The government can positively influence economic performance through leadership, collaborative partnerships, public education and innovative policies, projects and programs.
Entrepreneurs recognise that Tasmania’s size and socioeconomic characteristics allow us to conduct research, pilot new technologies and truly engage with citizens. With interest in building momentum, conditions are perfect for the digital transformation of the economy and for establishing and promoting Tasmania as a centre for digital excellence. To realise the value of these conditions, Tasmania must be well-positioned to foster, attract, train and retain a highly-skilled pool of local professionals and a technology-driven workforce.
Government
The Tasmanian community is best served by a progressive government that puts the contemporary needs and expectations of citizens first, transforming the way it works and the way services are delivered.
The Tasmanian Government is developing foundations to support the introduction of digital services that are easy to access, understand and use. We know that people expect to be able to quickly and conveniently access everything they need online, irrespective of age, gender, location, ability, life circumstances or cultural heritage. People in remote and regional communities also understand the potential of digital transformation to minimise geographical barriers to government service accessibility.
The Government’s approach encourages the progressive integration of multiple government systems while ensuring that government-held information and services continue to be securely protected. Significant funds have already been allocated to initiatives supporting joined-up digital services and better personal outcomes for vulnerable children, people and families in need, through projects involving community safety, health, child protection and allied services.
