NSW’s First Digital Strategy Since 2019 Focuses on Coordinating IT and Cybersecurity Investments

The New South Wales (NSW) government is taking significant steps to enhance its coordination of technology and cybersecurity spending across various departments with its first digital strategy since 2019. This strategy aims to streamline expenditures, minimize redundancy, and improve the governance and investment approach to cybersecurity.

Key elements of this comprehensive strategy have already been revealed, including the introduction of the NSW Digital ID and the NSW Digital Wallet. Additionally, the state has recently announced an artificial intelligence (AI) assurance framework designed to ensure ethical implementation of AI technologies.

In an interview with iTnews, Minister for Customer Services and Digital Government Jihad Dib emphasized that AI will be utilized to boost productivity and reduce duplicated efforts across government agencies. He pointed out the common frustration of having to repeatedly fill out the same forms when interacting with different departments, highlighting the potential for agencies to share information transparently and effectively. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on citizens who often have to recount the same details multiple times when engaging with various government services.

Dib’s digital strategy builds on the previous ‘Beyond Digital’ initiative launched five years ago by former minister Victor Dominello. In addition to the main digital strategy, a separate digital inclusion strategy has been developed to address barriers to accessing services, focusing on enhancing digital skills and fostering trust in digital technologies.

The strategy also encompasses various improvements, such as upgrades to the NSW Planning Portal, the establishment of the Digital Housing Pipeline, the Hazards Near Me app, and the Athena Bush Fire Intelligence platform. These developments reflect the government’s commitment to creating digital services that are not only secure and inclusive but also accessible to all citizens.

“This digital strategy lays the foundation for a future in which digital services are more secure, inclusive, and accessible, ultimately improving people’s daily lives,” Dib stated. He underscored that the strategy transcends mere technological advancements, emphasizing its focus on people and community. The goal is to build world-class digital services that not only strengthen local communities but also foster economic growth.

Last year, Minister Dib outlined plans to reconfigure the government’s digital restart fund into a more targeted innovation support mechanism. This shift aims to concentrate funding on projects that demonstrate clear benefits to the community, moving away from backend projects, except for those specifically aimed at reducing cybersecurity risks. 

This focused approach aligns with a broader commitment to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of government services by strategically investing in technology and cybersecurity. By prioritizing these areas, the government aims to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and protect sensitive data from evolving threats. This investment not only strengthens the infrastructure but also empowers agencies to adopt innovative solutions that meet the demands of a digital-first world. As a result, citizens can expect more responsive, secure, and reliable government services that ultimately foster trust and improve overall satisfaction. This proactive stance on technology and cybersecurity also positions the government to better anticipate and respond to future challenges, ensuring resilience in an increasingly complex and interconnected environment.