This week’s State Budget 2020-21 has allocated more than $700 million to expand NSW’s digital capabilities and build new and flexible ways of delivering services everywhere from classrooms and living-rooms to courtrooms.
Premier, Gladys Berejiklian said the funding formed part of the $1.6 billion Digital Restart Fund and would be used to boost regional and remote education, improve cyber security, enhance NSW Courts and enhance e-planning.
“COVID-19 has shown us just how important it is to have the digital infrastructure and the skills to match for a modern, flexible society,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Streamlining and enhancing our digital capabilities improves efficiencies, makes our lives simpler and ultimately saves everyone time and money.”
Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet said the funding was a down-payment on the future economic growth of NSW.
“The future belongs to the innovative and bold, and this investment will create jobs, make doing business with Government easier and enhance reform,” Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello said the initiative kept NSW at the front of the line when it came to digital government.
“NSW is the most digitally advanced jurisdiction in Australia and this funding will empower us to enter a new frontier,” Mr Dominello said.
“Whether it’s transforming the way we teach children in regional and remote schools, or bolstering our cyber security systems, this investment sends the community a strong message that we are putting the customer at the centre of everything we do.”
He said a key component of the $700 million funding was $366 million to close the digital gap in schools in rural and remote areas.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell said she wanted every student to have the best access to education, and this funding made that possible.
“The uplift will provide regional teachers with the tools, training and support they need to integrate digital resources into the classroom,” Ms Mitchell said.
