A new multi-million dollar IT hub has opened in the heart of Surfers Paradise by a Sydney-based financial services company, bringing with it 200 new jobs. Officially opening the new facility, the Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment stated that the company’s decision to choose the Gold Coast was a glowing endorsement of the Palaszczuk Government’s investment strategy.
The firm’s Chief Executive Consumer & Business Banking said that the Gold Coast offers great lifestyle benefits for people seeking a sea change. The Gold Coast is a globally connected city with one of the fastest-growing economies in Australia, he said.
The creation of the new tech hub in Surfers Paradise will enable the firm to expand its technology agenda and attract world-class talent, while also creating employment, training, and development opportunities in Queensland.
The hub will focus on bringing together software engineers, technologists and data specialists who can work in partnership with our digital teams to make banking simpler and faster for its customers and bankers through new technologies. It also allows residents to join a large-scale organisation and build a career in the banking sector.
The Queensland Government has developed a range of whole-of-government digital and ICT strategies and initiatives. These include DIGITAL1ST: Advancing our digital future and Cloud Computing Strategy.
DIGITAL1ST: Advancing our digital future
DIGITAL1ST: Advancing our digital future is the Queensland Government’s strategic direction to position Queensland as a leader in digital government now and in the future.
DIGITAL1ST highlights how the Queensland Government will work differently with the expanding digital and ICT industry too. The Queensland Government is committed to supporting digital businesses by being a better lead customer of innovation be they startups, SMEs or larger players.
Given how rapidly technologies are changing, and the opportunities that platforms provide, the Government is aware they must partner in new and different ways with the industry the best services are to be provided to Queenslanders. Thus, they will continue to diversify the supplier base, create new testbeds to co-design digital solutions and reduce the burden of doing business with the government.
DIGITAL1ST is a tool to help Queensland’s diverse government and workforce proceed with a common purpose in the face of complexity and disruption, and truly advance the region’s digital future. Hence, the strategy identifies priorities. A principles-based approach means that emerging issues can be responded to and new technology can be explored, across Queensland Government consistently.
Cloud Computing Strategy
The Cloud Computing Strategy, which is currently under review, states for all future digital and information and communication technology (ICT) investments the preferred option is to use a cloud-based solution. The aim is to create a trusted cloud ecosystem working with cloud service providers and partners.
The strategy and implementation model will help Queensland reduce its ICT costs and ensure access to the latest technologies while keeping information secure. The implementation model provides 26 recommendations to progress Queensland Government’s transition to a cloud-first enterprise.
The strategy has been developed after broad industry and government consultation. The implementation of the cloud approach is built on five key focus areas:
- Cloud-ready– Government agencies will be educated on best practice procurement and management of cloud services
- Cloud foundations– Queensland Government will establish a holistic approach to the acquisition as well as the secure use and management of a multi-provider cloud system
- Cloud engagement – Trusted advisors will help agencies with their cloud transition and migration plans
- Cloud accelerate– Agencies will be able to procure cloud services from panels of trusted suppliers
- Cloud governance– The Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group will ensure alignment with the cloud-first enterprise vision as well as provide advice to agencies
