GovTech Weekly News Wrap – 11 December, 2020

Weekly news wrap of government technology

myGovID makes long-awaited launch; Federal Government introduces key data sharing Act to parliament; and e-invoicing now reality for SME suppliers to Govt. 


  • The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has invited feedback on its Digital Transformation Strategy 2.0, to ensure government services remain “relevant and fit-for-purpose”.

 

  • The Federal Government’s digital identity project, myGovID, has at long last been launched, offering myGov account holders password-free access to the Government’s online services. myGovID can also be used to access the myGov beta platform, which is set to replace the existing myGov platform.

 

  • After more than two years of consultations, the Data Availability and Transparency Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Act is intended to facilitate the sharing of public sector data by sidestepping existing legislative barriers.

 

  • The Department of the Treasury has implemented its fully integrated electronic invoicing solution, enabling small business suppliers to be paid within five days of supplying an invoice.

 

  • The NSW Government’s Telco Authority (NSWTA) has enlisted BAI Communications to operate and maintain the NSW Public Safety Network (PSN), one of the world’s largest government radio networks, covering approximately 325,000 square kilometres, supporting public safety, law enforcement, and essential services.

 

  • The Federal Government has launched its Regional Tech Hub, providing information and advice for regional Australians to improve their digital literacy and help them stay connected.

 

  • The NSW Government has unveiled a new defence and aerospace technology park in the Hunter Valley. The Government hopes the new site will drive jobs for aerospace engineers, aviation, IT and avionics specialists.

 

  • The NSW Digital Driver’s License (DDL) has been downloaded more than 2 million times, according to the NSW Government. The digital licence can be used as proof of age and ID at venues and at police roadside checks.

 

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) has chosen Victoria to stage an Asia Pacific cloud infrastructure region. The move is expected to generate over 90 jobs over four years.

 

  • A new coronavirus Mystery Case Tracker being used by the Victorian Government to source “mystery” coronavirus contacts. The Mystery Case tracker is “fed” contact tracing data and generates a digital diagram that maps the links between cases and contacts, and their movements.

 

  • The Australian Government has released the findings of an intelligence review recommending reform of Australia’s electronic surveillance laws. The recommendation details how a new Electronic Surveillance Act should be developed, with several agencies to be granted additional powers.

 

  • A new round of grants from the Victorian Government will support farmers across the state to invest in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Victorian farmers will be able to apple for grants of up to $25,000 to test IoT technology on their farms.

 

  • The NSW Government has called for 10,000 testers to trial its new digital Opal card. The trial will allow testers to add a virtual Opal card to their digital wallets using either Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, for use on public transport.

 

  • The NSW Government has announced the State’s second Startup Hub, to open in Western Sydney at the end of 2021. The hub will enable entrepreneurs and innovators to bring ideas to life by providing 1,500 square metres of affordable coworking space and programs.

 

  • The Queensland Government will trial five new hydrogen-powered cars over the next three years. The cars will be added to the Government’s existing fleet of electric vehicles, which it aims to double each year.

 

  • The Australian Institute of Marine Science is using satellite imagery to track previously unknown foraging grounds and migratory routes of Western Australia’s green turtles, which will help in efforts to conserve this threatened species.

 

  • The CSIRO has released a tool which can help farmers to better understand the potential opportunities from carbon-reducing activities.

 

  • The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR)has been using satellite imagery, drones, motion-activated surveillance cameras and aerial photography to keep NSW’s water resources safe during the lockdown and check for breaches of NSW water law when they were not able to physically travel to inspections.

 

  • Researchers from the CSIRO have developed new implantable devices that utilise machine learning to help prevent seizures and monitor patients after brain surgery.

 

  • The Australian Government has announced it will deliver hundreds of satellite dishes on emergency buildings to provide better broadband connectivity during natural disasters, as part of more than $2 billion of funding given for bushfire recovery assistance.