Digital Government News

Federal Budget invests $2B for digital solutions and cyber security

Eliza Sayon May 11, 2023

2 min read

The Australian Government is investing over $2 billion in new digital solutions aimed at modernizing outdated IT systems and ensuring that critical future investments are optimized for taxpayers.

As part of this initiative, the government is allocating $86.5 million to establish a National Anti-Scam Centre that will work to disrupt investment scam websites and prevent scammers from imitating trusted brand names.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission will lead this effort, which includes the establishment of Australia’s first SMS Sender ID Registry.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner will also receive $44.3 million to enhance its regulatory action, data and analytics capabilities, and support the creation of a standalone Privacy Commissioner.

$134.5 million has also been provided to sustain the myGov platform for another year, ensuring that the platform continues to securely support over 25 million accounts and connect Australians to government services. The investment will cover maintenance of streamlined and secure digital credentials such as the Medicare Card.

“We welcome the Albanese government’s commitment to maintaining this critical interface with the Australian public, allocating $134.5 million in 2023-24 to sustain the myGov platform,” Granicus Managing Director for ANZ Matthew Ball said.

“Australians expect modern digital experiences to underpin any service they interact with these days – whether its online shopping or lodging a tax return. To be effective at the most basic level, governments must meet the needs of their communities – and that starts with efficient, accessible, and easy digital interactions.”

The Digital ID will also be expanded under the Federal Budget to help increase efficiency and consumer protection, reduce fraud, and make it easier for people to access services online.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Data Right will receive $88.8 million over two years to support cybersecurity and its implementation in banking, energy, and non-bank lending sectors.

Finally, the government is allocating $101.2 million over five years to support the growth of critical technology industries, with a focus on quantum and artificial intelligence.

This includes extending the National AI Centre’s role in supporting responsible AI usage and the creation of an Australian Centre for Quantum Growth to connect and amplify Australia’s quantum ecosystem.

The government hopes that these investments towards digital solutions will create a more productive and safer digital future for Australians, improving service delivery and enhancing cybersecurity.

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.