NSW Unveils Digital Strategy to Minimize Tech Overlap

The New South Wales (NSW) government is taking significant steps to enhance its technology and cyber security coordination with the introduction of its first digital strategy since 2019. This initiative aims to streamline technology spending across government agencies, reducing unnecessary duplication and fostering a more cohesive approach to cyber security governance and investment.

The strategy includes several key components already announced, such as the NSW Digital ID, NSW Digital Wallet, and the recently introduced artificial intelligence (AI) assurance framework. Jihad Dib, the Minister for Customer Services and Digital Government, emphasized the role of AI in improving productivity and minimizing repetitive tasks. For instance, the government aims to alleviate the burden of filling out forms multiple times across different departments by promoting information sharing among agencies. This approach is intended to create a more transparent system where citizens won’t have to repeatedly provide the same information to different agencies.

Dib's strategy builds on the 'Beyond Digital' initiative launched by former minister Victor Dominello, and it coincides with a separate digital inclusion strategy focused on addressing barriers related to digital skills and trust in technology. Additionally, the strategy outlines improvements to various digital platforms, including the NSW Planning Portal, the Digital Housing Pipeline, the Hazards Near Me app, and the Athena Bush Fire Intelligence system.

According to Jihad Dib, the digital strategy establishes a crucial foundation for the development of more secure, inclusive, and accessible digital services that are tailored to improve the daily lives of NSW residents. Dib emphasized that the strategy is not solely focused on technology but is fundamentally centered around people. The primary aim is to create world-class digital services that not only strengthen communities but also foster economic growth.

This approach underscores the government's commitment to ensuring that digital advancements are aligned with the needs and expectations of its citizens. By focusing on both inclusivity and security, the strategy is designed to make digital services more accessible to everyone while safeguarding them against emerging threats. Dib's vision for the digital future of NSW involves using technology as a tool to enrich lives, enhance public trust in digital solutions, and create a more cohesive and resilient society.

Last year, Jihad Dib announced a significant realignment of the NSW government’s digital restart fund, transitioning it into an innovation support mechanism. This shift is aimed at prioritizing projects that demonstrate clear benefits for the community while moving away from funding backend project work. The new focus excludes backend initiatives except for those specifically targeting the mitigation of cyber security risks.

This strategic adjustment signifies a broader commitment to enhancing NSW's digital capabilities in a way that resonates with the community's needs and expectations. By concentrating on projects that have tangible positive impacts on citizens, the government aims to ensure that technological advancements are not only innovative but also relevant and beneficial to the public. This approach is intended to foster a more inclusive digital environment while simultaneously addressing critical cyber security concerns, thereby contributing to the overall resilience and security of digital services in the state. Through this initiative, the NSW government seeks to create a more efficient and responsive technological landscape that actively supports community growth and safety.