Coalition seeks input on draft ICT strategy
The Victorian Coalition Government is seeking feedback on a proposed ICT strategy developed by the Victorian Information and Communications Advisory Committee (VICTAC).
The draft provides advice on the future management and use of ICT by government and how the Victorian Government can design and use information and technology to deliver better services.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Technology Gordon Rich Phillips said that the Victorian Government is in a strong position to make the most of a changing ICT landscape.
“We want to use information and technology to benefit Victoria,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“Online services and new technologies continue to transform the way we shop, bank and live. Government must take advantage of these capabilities to remain in touch with the industry, to connect with our communities and to drive down the cost of government services.
“The committee has provided a practical, forward-looking approach to the acquisition and use of ICT by government and we are seeking the public’s input on the draft strategy,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
VICTAC’s chair Grantly Mailes said governments were starting to harness wider market capabilities and competition for the development of new technologies.
“Shifts in technology, culture and economies are leading governments across the world to reassess their role, and how they deliver services,” Mr Mailes said.
“Victoria has the added advantage of a strong local ICT industry ready to contribute to this process.”
The strategy establishes how the government can better manage its ICT purchases and projects to prevent the cost blowouts seen under the former Labor government.
“With VICTAC’s draft strategy, ICT enabled projects will be structured to deliver benefits more quickly through co-ordinated smaller, staged projects. This approach should improve delivery timelines and reduce the risk of delivery issues,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“The Victorian Government will make better use of the expertise in the vibrant ICT industry that we have in Victoria and in our major suppliers.
“We will work with them to define and deliver business outcomes, rather than just narrowly defining technology requirements, that is why it is also important for us to seek their input on this strategy,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
The proposed strategy is a work in progress which will be further refined after public consultation and supported by more detailed implementation work – it can be found at www.vic.gov.au/ictstrategy. Consultation will close on 17 October 2012.
Following the consultation period, VICTAC and the Victorian Government will review the feedback and consider it in the final strategy design.
