WA Government's first GCIO takes up reigns

The Western Australian Government has appointed Giles Nunis as the state’s first permanent Government Chief Information Officer, tasked with developing a whole-of-government ICT strategy.

Nunis was appointed Acting WA GCIO in April. Prior to this role, he had a more than 20-year career in government, working for the departments of Justice, Land Administration, Health and State Development.

Between 2008 and 2010 Nunis was managing director at IT consultancy Ajilon Australia, which managed public sector accounts including the departments of the Attorney General, Planning and Infrastructure, Treasury and Finance.

WA Premier Colin Barnett said Nunis will play a vital role in helping to stabilise the government’s ICT costs and building the capacity of the state’s ICT sector.

“The government spends $1 billion to $2 billion on ICT, and this needs to be strongly managed to ensure we deliver the best value to West Australians,” he said.

“Mr Nunis has the right combination of professional skills and practical experience, with a fundamental understanding of the private and public sectors and how to negotiate and deliver large ICT projects.”

Finance Minister Bill Marmion added that since Nunis’s appointment on an interim basis, the office of the GCIO has made strong progress with its objectives, including launching the state government’s Open Data Policy.

“The office is well advanced on a whole-of-government ICT strategy, in consultation with industry and government. Aimed at efficiencies and cost savings, this should be presented to the government early next year,” he said.

Image courtesy of Flazingo Photos under CC