Welfare payment system overhaul

The ICT industry is being asked to submit expressions of interest to design and begin construction of a new welfare payment system, as announced by Senator Marise Payne, the Minister for Human Services.

“The start of procurement marks the first milestone for the Welfare Payment Infrastructure Transformation (WPIT) program,” Minister Payne said.

“This is one of the largest social welfare business transformations undertaken worldwide. Success will depend on establishing strong industry partnerships.”

The new welfare payment system is being described as a “once-in-a-generation investment”, which will transform the way the department delivers payments and services to millions of Australians each year.

“Finding innovative and expert industry partners is the first step in providing a modern platform that will make interacting with government services easier for our customers,” said Payne.

“Over the next year, the department will commence two major procurement activities to secure a core software vendor and systems integrators.”

The department is now inviting requests for expression of interest from the market to be considered as part the core software vendor selection process, which will help select a commercial off-the-shelf integrated technology platform to support the WPIT program.

Procurement of systems integrators will begin in 2016.

“The new system will reduce red tape for customers, lower the costs of administering welfare payments and save taxpayers money,” said Payne.

“Customers can expect to see improvements to our payment systems by the end of 2016 with enhancements that will make online interactions quicker and easier.”

The REOI listing can now be viewed on AusTender.