AIIA welcomes WA's $400m digital commitment

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has applauded the Western Australian Government’s commitment to invest a further $400 million in its Digital Capability Fund.

The funding, which comes on top of the $500 million investment in the 2021 Budget, will help improve digital technologies in government services and improve digital service delivery to Western Australians, according to AIIA Council Chair Sharon Brown.

“The funding commitment made by the McGowan government is great news for Western Australians and our local ICT industry. The 23 ICT projects that were funded in the budget will all contribute to the improvement in service delivery and the security of the digital services provided by the government,” Brown said.

“Australian governments are recognised around the world as being at the forefront of the utilisation of digital technologies to service their citizens and the AIIA applauds the approach of the Western Australian Government.”

But she added that the additional funding will need to be accompanied by efforts to remove barriers that may impede the successful implementation of technologies and mitigate any negative effects they may have.

“A digital economy strategy is needed to plan for this and the incredible opportunities innovative technologies offer Western Australia,” Brown said.

“The AIIA looks forward to working with the Western Australian Government in developing the policies required to maximise the efficiency and minimise the disruption of digital technology uptake in what is becoming our digital economy.”

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