Sydney (Tribune International, Premier Office Release, 18 June 2020): The NSW Government will invest a record $1.6 billion into its Digital Restart Fund to make the State the digital capital of the southern hemisphere.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the landmark funding would enable the Government to turbocharge digital projects that make life easier for people.
“We are leading the country on digital transformation and this investment will cement our reputation as a world leader in technology and innovation,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are already using technology to make life easier for customers. Whether it’s the Digital Driver Licence, Energy Switch or Park’nPay, our digital products provide added choice and convenience.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding is a game changer and will make NSW the envy of the southern hemisphere.
“This record investment in technology recognises that digital infrastructure is as important as transport infrastructure to the State’s economic growth,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We must be fast followers in the Digital Revolution to accelerate agility, lift productivity and generate the jobs of tomorrow.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the funding includes $240 million to bolster the Government’s cyber security capability and create a world leading cyber industry.
“This is the biggest single cyber security investment in national history, and will strengthen the Government’s capacity to detect and respond to the fast moving cyber threat landscape,” Mr Dominello said.
“We are leading the nation on bricks and mortar infrastructure and this historic investment will positon us to develop a world leading cyber security industry and be a jobs hub for this critical multi-billion-dollar sector.”
The Cyber Security funding will go towards protecting existing systems, deploying new technologies and increasing our cyber workforce.
The funding will include:
- $240 million commitment to enhance the Government’s cyber security capability;
- Providing more government services online and via Service NSW; and
- Improving the digital experience across agencies, including in education and health.
