Wed, 02 Nov 2022 - 08:44
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BUDGET REVEALS LABOR HAS NO PLANS FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT DIGITAL SERVICES

The Budget makes it clear the Albanese Labor Government doesn’t have a plan to improve the experience of citizens using digital channels to access government services and payments, Shadow Minister for Government Services, Paul Fletcher said today.


“The Budget does not contain a single new initiative designed to improve citizens’ digital experience,” Mr Fletcher said.


“This is despite most Australians now transacting with the Government through digital channels, with 1.2 billion online transactions taking place in the last financial year alone, driven by the former Coalition Government’s reforms to digital service delivery.


“The Budget will see more public servants employed by Services Australia – but no new funding allocation to equip them with the latest digital tools.


“Will this be the most efficient way to improve the services citizens receive? How does it compare to investing in upgraded IT systems that will allow transactions to be simpler and more efficient?
“It is clear the Albanese Labor Government has not even turned its mind to these questions – no doubt because it is more interested in extra members for the Community and Public Sector Union than in delivering better customer service for Australians.


“Labor is showing no enthusiasm at all for continuing the Coalition's strong track record of service modernisation through digital transformation.


“The development of the Digital Identity system, which the Coalition Government commenced in 2015, has stalled significantly under Labor, to the extent that it’s not even mentioned in the Budget.
“On top of this, the Digital Transformation Agency has been moved from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, in a clear sign its work is simply not a priority for the Albanese government,” Mr Fletcher said.


ENDS