Victorians will have access to more modern and efficient Victorian Government services, with the Brumby Labor Government investing $158.8 million in key ICT services in public health, education and transport, announced in the 2008-09 State Budget.
Information and Communication Technology Minister Theo Theophanous said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action to make Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family – and delivering the public better access to Government services was crucial to that aim.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to providing Victorian families with better access to Government services. This investment will help open up crucial services to more Victorians,” Mr Theophanous said.
“Investing in new ICT technologies will mean more comprehensive and effective management of services in many areas critical for the State’s future and will mean Victorians will enjoy faster, more efficient and secure ICT services in key government agencies.
“Such a significant investment is also a boon for the ICT industry, with significant upgrade projects set to drive new jobs in the sector.”
Mr Theophanous said the Brumby Labor Government’s investment included $104 million for the HealthSMART program to secure a statewide ICT network to be used by all public health services across the Victoria.
“This investment is the foundation necessary for Victoria to benefit from emerging e-health initiatives and will assist health services to increase the quality of service delivery and improve patient outcomes through a more comprehensive system,” he said.
“We are also investing $7.5 million for stage one of the upgrade to VicRoads’ registration and licensing system, providing more efficient services and better protection of personal information for Victorians.
“The new system will change the way VicRoads does business and how it interacts with the community – recognising customers’ specific needs, better protecting their identities and preventing criminals from using the system fraudulently.”
VicRoads customers will also benefit from the Brumby Labor Government’s $16 million to improve response times and service performance at VicRoads customer service centres.
Mr Theophanous said other ICT initiatives in the 2008-09 State Budget included:
