Speaking at the FST Government Queensland 2018 conference in Brisbane, Potts said the emergence of the distributed ledger technology (DLT) will not only supersede all existing ledger technologies, but also fundamentally reshape global economies, extending its influence well beyond the cryptocurrency sphere.

The emergence of blockchain could radically upend existing economic models, he argued, superseding functions that have long been served by traditional institutions of authority.

Nearly 40 per cent of surveyed delegates rated ‘data science’ the most sought-after technology skillset for government sector technology specialists, significantly higher than coding (8 per cent) and user/customer experience (UX/CX) design (20 per cent).

Data scientists analyse and interpret complex datasets to distil vital information that can help organisations in improving service delivery and making more informed decisions.

Nunis previously served as WA's deputy director general of the Department of State Development. The department has since merged with the Department of Commerce to become the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Among key projects worked on by Nunis during his tenure include the GovNext program, tasked with overhauling IT product and service procurement across state agencies.

Nunis' departure follows a review late last year that called for functions within the CIO office to be separated and moved within WA state’s central agencies. 

TRAILS currently manages $2.8 billion in revenue and conducts 4.6 million vehicle registrations each year, according to the department.

A replacement system was first mooted in November 2014; however, the plan was subsequently shelved for two years in order to divert funds – around $60 million – for public transport ticketing subsidies.

DXC Technology has announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding with The University of Queensland (UQ) for the launch of a new hub designed for students in Queensland.

The hub will focus on improving the employability of neurodiverse students whilst creating opportunities by helping them gain work experience with DXC and its partner organisations.

“It is a privilege to work with like-minded organisations that want to promote inclusiveness for students who are neurodiverse” said Seelan Nayagam, managing director of DXC Technology Australia & New Zealand.

Former ASIO head David Irvine has delivered a scathing assessment of Australia’s existing cybersecurity regime, describing it as “weak and uncoordinated”.

In a submission, written on behalf of the Cyber Security Research Centre (CSRC), Irvine called for a parliamentary inquiry to examine the "impact of new and emerging information and communications technology".

Cisco Academy’s new online program will allow students to comprehend the role networked systems within business and enterprise play as well as how to manage secure network systems.

The partnership will see the establishment of an academy at the university’s Tonsley Park building, in which Cisco staff will provide training to students.

In a statement, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security, Angus Taylor said the Federal Government rates cybersecurity and cybercrime among "the fastest growing threats to corporations, citizens, and governments globally".

Among three principal contractors to join the GovNext program – alongside NEC Australia, Datacom, and Atos – Empired will provide the “core collaboration functions within the WA Government’s cloud environment,” according to a statement by the company.

“We are delighted to have been selected as a key player in providing services with NEC to the WA State Government under the GovNext-ICT framework,” said Russell Baskerville, managing director of
Empired. “This award is testament to Empired’s capability and investments in cloud-based services.”

The newly appointed Digital Technology minister will now directly oversee the state’s IT function, which was previously administered under the innovation portfolio.

As part of the restructure, following the return of the Labor government in last November's election, de Brenni will now oversee IT across Queensland’s public sector, a role previously served by former Minister for Innovation, Science and Digital economy, Leeanne Enoch.

In addition to his new role, de Brenni will continue to serve as Queensland’s Minister for Sport and Minister for Housing and Public Works.

As Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, Taylor oversaw substantial changes to the management of IT across government, including the transfer of ICT functions from the Department of Finance to the newly created Digital Transformation Agency.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan will assume Taylor’s previous role as Assistant Minister for Digital Transformation and Cities, which currently oversees the Commonwealth’s digital transformation agenda.

The renewed contract will see an additional $735 million provided to DXC for its services, increasing the value of the contract to $1.47 billion.

The original contract, awarded to Hewlett Packard in December 2010, was renewed with its successor DXC as a result of ‘sector spin-outs’ and despite ‘unprecedented’ hardware failures occurring under its predecessor, the ATO said.

Under the newly revised contract, DXC will provide the tax office with services including data warehousing, mainframe, midrange, storage, data centre facilities, private cloud, and public cloud.

Announced by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, the strategy aims to promote online confidence, as well as reduce financial losses attributable to cybercrime, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

Backed by a $10 million investment over three years, the ICES aims to put Australia at the forefront of international efforts to promote a stable online economy.

“Our international cyber engagement protects Australians and promotes our interests,” Bishop said in a statement.

FST Media: Tell us a little about your appointment to the ICT/Innovation portfolio. What areas of digital innovation hold a particular interest for you?

Minister Kelly: Our world is increasingly being shaped by new innovative technologies and, unlike the previous government, the McGowan Labor Government is interested in seeking out opportunities in this exciting industry. This is why I am incredibly privileged and excited to be appointed WA’s very first Minister for Innovation and ICT.

“This facility is a major boost for our economy and will be a real-time nerve-centre protecting large enterprises, industries, governments and even nations from cyber attack,” said Matt Kean, NSW Minister for Innovation.

The state government has sweetened the public-private collaboration with a $1.67 million investment in the facility, which will expand upon BT's existing security operations centre in North Sydney. The newly expanded hub will be BTs first R&D facility based outside the United Kingdom.

The three-year agreement, jointly funded by the Department of Industry and the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation, will provide a direct channel between the NSW Government and Data61’s development team to manage cybersecurity threats against the state.

NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Victor Dominello, said cybersecurity would be an initial focus of the collaboration with Data61.