The Victorian Government has unveiled the Victorian Budget 2023/24, focusing on initiatives aimed at reducing costs, cutting red tape for businesses and enhancing the convenience of government services for families and enterprises.
With an investment of over $160 million, the government aims to streamline services and provide user-friendly experiences that save time and money for Victorians.
“Victorians want to get basic tasks done simply and efficiently – that’s why we’re working to make Service Victoria a one-stop app for everyday life,” Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson said.
“We’re streamlining processes and putting common sense at the front of our services – it’s all about saving time and money for Victorian families and businesses.”
Service Victoria, the state’s digital platform for accessing government services, will receive more than $120 million for the development and maintenance of digital services. This funding includes $90 million in additional support, further bolstering the existing funding commitments.
The enhanced capabilities of the Service Victoria app will allow more credentials, such as the digital Working with Children Check and Ambulance Victoria card, to be securely stored and accessed on users’ smartphones. Additionally, a Digital Seniors Card will be introduced in the coming months.
As part of the government’s digital transformation efforts, a pilot program for a digital driver’s license in Ballarat has been announced this month. This initiative will be followed by a statewide rollout by 2024, offering all Victorian drivers the option to carry their driver’s licences on their mobile phones.
Related: Victorian motorists to receive digital driver licences
The government’s focus on cybersecurity is also evident in the budget, with an allocation of $34.7 million dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity protections for essential services and establishing a new Cyber Defence Centre.
This investment will enhance real-time threat detection and blocking capabilities, safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the protection of sensitive data.
Furthermore, the government will invest $12.1 million to fulfil its promise of helping councils create new apprenticeships and traineeships. This investment will also facilitate the implementation of a tailored Fair Jobs Code for local government, addressing skill shortages and enhancing service delivery within communities.
“Investing in a skilled workforce for our councils ensures Victorians have the parks, gardens and other facilities that matter to them,” Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne said.
“It means councils can do the best job possible to serve their communities.”
By leveraging digital technologies, enhancing cybersecurity measures and providing targeted investments in the Victorian Budget 2023/24, the government aims to create a more user-friendly and prosperous environment across the state.