With the pandemic making more people rely on technology than ever, the Victorian Government, as part of its 20/21 Budget, has invested heavily to make online services faster and safer for all.
The Victorian Budget 2020/21 will fund efforts to make it easier, simpler and faster for Victorians to get the support and services they need online. That includes $195.9 million to establish Digital Victoria to centralise and simplify the Victorian Government’s IT services – reducing costs and improving the delivery of services to Victorians.
Digital technology has been pivotal in keeping us connected during the pandemic, but whether it’s going online to update your licence or sitting down for an important conference with colleagues, the safety and reliability of this technology is crucial.
In addition, to combat the global increase in cyber threats and keep us safe from these types of attacks, the Victorian Government is investing a further $7.5 million to bolster the state’s cybersecurity and protect systems from cyber criminals.
The Budget also invests $5.2 million to digitise business licencing through Service Victoria, so businesses can spend less time waiting in line, and more time growing their business and supporting their staff.
The Budget will also provide $75 million over the next four years to overhaul government regulation – making things like starting a small business or doing a home renovation quicker, simpler and more straightforward.
The investment will establish a dedicated team to slash red tape and help businesses to navigate the simplified system.
Hospitals and schools will be fitted with solar panels and energy efficient lighting, creating up to 200 jobs and saving money as part of a $59.9 million investment in the Greener Government Buildings Program.
To further help women and children who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, the Budget includes $4 million to make sure that, as part of the State Government’s procurement process, businesses are providing training and employment opportunities for young people and women returning to the workforce and a range of other groups who would otherwise struggle to find work.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Government Services, Danny Pearson, said, “We want to support business owners who have done it tough this year by making things as easy and efficient as possible as we rebuild our economy.
“Whether it’s applying for a permit, or updating your rego, heading online should be simple and straightforward. Thanks to this investment, it will be.
“The global threat of cyber security attacks is a risk for Victoria – so we’re strengthening our safeguards to ward off these threats.”
