NT developing Digital Territory Strategy

The Northern Territory Government is developing a new Digital Territory Strategy aimed at accelerating the region's digital transformation.

The new strategy aims to identify the objectives and priorities for digital services over the next five years and outline a roadmap of actions to take to achieve these objectives.

With the strategy, the NT government seeks to find ways to use technology to create more jobs and develop local businesses, strengthen the government delivery of services to rural areas, foster safer communities, improve digital literacy for children and improve accountability while restoring trust in government.

The design of the strategy is currently the subject of a public consultation. The final strategy will also seek to close the digital divide between residents of the territory. There is also a divide between the territory and other parts of the country, with just 79% of NT households having internet access at home, compared to 85.9% nationally.

Examples of proposed measures to boost ICT jobs and skills in the territory include programs, services, advice and policy settings designed to assist the development of the local ICT industry and fostering training and career pathways for students.

In terms of regional access, the discussion paper states that the long-term goal is connecting all residents in the state with telecommunications services at the same standard as those of other communities.

But it notes that this will realistically require further technology advances to be achievable, particularly in areas including improving satellite services.

Removing barriers for people in remote locations by using technology to improve access to health care, education and other government services will meanwhile enhance quality of life and reduce the need to travel for services.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/violetkaipa

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