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The Government of New South Wales has launched the New South Wales (NSW) Digital Strategy which outlines the state’s vision for its digital future, focusing on delivering purposeful digital transformation across government services. Spearheaded by Digital NSW, the strategy was developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders, including government agencies, community representatives, industry partners, and academia. It aims to ensure that every resident in the state benefits from advancements in technology without being left behind.
The strategy is anchored by five core missions that prioritise accessibility, inclusivity, security, and seamless integration of digital services for all residents of NSW. Together, these missions signify a commitment to leveraging digital technologies to enable the NSW Government to meet its broader objectives and deliver value to its citizens.
The NSW Government’s Chief Information and Digital Officer and the Executive Director of Digital Strategy, Investment, and Assurance at Digital NSW, shared their perspectives on the strategy’s significance and the direction it sets for the state’s digital transformation efforts.
The rapid digitisation of various aspects of daily life necessitates a strategic approach to ensure that technology is deployed with a purpose. The NSW Digital Strategy aims to go beyond the concept of ‘digital for digital’s sake’ by aligning digital initiatives with broader governmental priorities. This approach builds on the state’s established digital governance and integrates lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strategy’s first mission focuses on making government services more accessible and connected to the state’s diverse population. This includes designing services that accommodate all of the state’s eight million residents, ensuring no one is excluded from the digital transformation.
The second mission emphasises the role of digital technology in enhancing service delivery, driving productivity, and supporting the local economy. The government is leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and forging partnerships with industry and academic institutions to address challenges and modernise government services.
The third mission is centred around fostering trust in government by providing stable and reliable digital services. It also focuses on developing sustainable digital infrastructure to ensure long-term effectiveness and resilience.
The fourth mission is dedicated to safeguarding NSW residents and infrastructure against emergencies. Digital platforms, such as the “Hazards Near Me” app, enable faster emergency notifications, enhancing the state’s preparedness and response capabilities. For instance, the app allows the State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service to notify people of hazards in just three minutes, compared to the previous 30-minute delay.
The fifth mission aims to enhance digital proficiency across the public sector workforce, equipping employees with the skills and tools necessary to navigate and implement digital transformation effectively.
The NSW Digital Strategy’s impact goes beyond service optimisation. It also addresses contemporary challenges and opportunities, such as the ethical deployment of AI and the integration of digital solutions in healthcare. Mark Howard highlighted the Single Digital Patient Record initiative, a significant digital investment expected to improve patient care by enabling more informed decision-making.
Ensuring that digital solutions are trustworthy and secure remains a priority for the NSW Government. As data and AI become more prevalent in government operations, implementing these technologies according to the highest standards of ethics and security is essential. The importance of maintaining public trust in these digital advancements was emphasised.
