![Data is at the heart of today’s government services. This is reflected in the federal government’s Data and Digital Government Strategy (the Strategy), which highlights its goal to use data, analytics, and technology to deliver simple, accessible services for people and businesses by 2030. As noted in the strategy, Australians expect personalised, integrated, and easy-to-use services from government entities they engage with. Such personalisation, especially across digital channels, is heavily dependent on data. Delivering such services becomes more effective when the data is more accurate and up-to-date. This is where real-time data comes into play. Why? Real-time data is more accurate because it is always up-to-date. This, in turn, improves the customer experience by enabling services to be more dynamic and interactive. However, because batch processing still accounts for the majority of data processing in government ranks, even the most recent data may become outdated when used to deliver government services. Engage with data in motion Batch processing is when the processing and analysis happen on a set of data that has already been stored for a period of time. This may be days, weeks, or even months, which just doesn't cut it for delivering dynamic and interactive citizen services. In recent years, data streaming has emerged as the technology that allows organizations to tap into their data in real-time in order to improve citizen engagement and experience. Event streaming, another name for data streaming, describes the continuous flow of data as it occurs. This enables true real-time processing and analysis for immediate insights. Streaming data distinguishes itself from batch processing by delivering the most up-to-date information when required. Apache Kafka, one of the most successful open source projects, is used by over 70% of Fortune 500 companies today and is well recognised as the de facto standard for data streaming. The open-source nature of Kafka lowered the entry barrier for working with streaming data, allowing companies to easily build use cases and solutions. However, as with all open-source software, there are limitations. Companies often end up spending more to efficiently manage, scale, secure, and evolve the streaming infrastructure. Why are we still using batch processing if data streaming is the future? Batch processing is still simpler to implement than stream processing, and successfully moving from batch to streaming requires a significant change to a team’s habits and processes, as well as a meaningful upfront investment. That is why Confluent has rearchitected Kafka to create a complete platform that provides a fully managed, cloud-native data streaming solution with the ability to turn data events into outcomes, enable real-time apps, and empower teams and systems to act on data instantly. Personalised for the people Confluent’s ability to utilise data as a continually updating stream of events rather than discrete snapshots means that public sector organisations can leverage data streaming to improve citizen engagement by offering personalised, data-driven services and insights. Confluent’s data streaming platform also enables real-time monitoring and analysis of government services and infrastructure, allowing public sector entities to quickly respond to critical events such as natural disasters or public health emergencies. At a more mundane level, Confluent supports data sharing and collaboration among government agencies, facilitating the seamless exchange of information to serve the public better and optimise resource allocation. And, importantly for government organisations, Confluent’s data streaming capabilities can enhance cyber security by detecting and mitigating threats in real time and safeguarding sensitive government data—a critical element in maintaining our national security. Indeed, 53% of Australian businesses surveyed in a recent Confluent study cited security and compliance awareness as the most applicable use cases for data streaming. It should come as little surprise, then, that industry analyst firm Forrester views Confluent as “an excellent fit for organisations that need to support a high-performance, scalable, multi-cloud data pipeline with extreme resilience.” Streamlining service improvement Data streaming is driving greater efficiency in more than three of four companies across Asia Pacific, according to Confluent research. Meanwhile, 65% of IT leaders polled see significant or emerging product and service benefits from data streaming. With this in mind, the potential for the government to do more with its data is clear, and personalisation is top of mind. Personalising citizen service experiences requires knowing who a customer is at any given moment. This is made possible by accessing data in motion, especially across multiple touchpoints. At the very least, this can help citizens avoid having to provide the same information over and over again as they interact with government agencies. And now, with Confluent assessed under the Australian Information Security Registered Assessors Programme (IRAP), government agencies with an Information Security Manual PROTECTED level requirement can use Confluent Cloud across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Australian government agencies will then be able to gather and share data across departments, offices, and agencies securely and at scale. This means even more government agencies will be able to tap data in motion to integrate information across their applications and systems in real time and reinvent employee and citizen experiences for the better.](https://publicspectrum.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Confluent-Advertorial.png)
The 2024 Air Conditioning Discount Programme encourages residents and businesses to replace old, inefficient air conditioning systems with modern, energy-efficient models. The discount programme is part of the broader Victorian Energy Upgrades Programme.
The scheme helps households and commercial entities purchase split-system air conditioners and other energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies.
The initiative’s primary objective is a reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby helping Victoria move towards a more sustainable future.
Victorian homeowners, tenants, and business operators are eligible for the discount if they replace their old air conditioning systems with newer, more efficient models. Key requirements to participate in the Air Conditioning Discount program include:
The Victorian government offers a range of discounts on energy-efficient air conditioning systems. While the discounts are not full subsidies, they significantly reduce the cost of purchasing and installing eligible units.
The exact discount amount depends on the type, model, and size of the air conditioning system installed. However, on average, households that upgrade to energy-efficient air conditioners save between $120 and $1,100 in annual energy costs. These savings offset the initial investment over time, making the upgrade economically viable for practically anyone.
Applying for the Victoria Air Conditioning Rebate is a straightforward process. Applicants must verify their intended purchase is eligible under the VEU program. Then they need to contact an accredited provider authorised to perform installations under the VEU.
The provider will assess the applicant’s needs, recommend eligible products, and handle the administrative aspects of the application, including filing necessary documents. The seamless process makes sure participants can easily take advantage of the discount.
The AirCon discount programme includes a variety of reputable brands and manufacturers, so participants can access high-quality and energy-efficient options suited to their unique
situations. Brands like Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Fujitsu are known for their high-quality models that qualify for discounts and rebates.
The Victorian Air Conditioning Discount offers a variety of advantages beyond upfront cost savings. Participants enjoy lower energy bills, increased property values, reduced carbon footprints, improved indoor air quality, and more comfortable living and working environments.
In addition to its primary benefits, the discount program provides a variety of additional services and offers, including:
Installing an efficient air conditioner will save money and reduce emissions, but participants can take steps to maximize the benefits. To fully benefit from energy-efficient air conditioning systems, participants should:
Victorians are encouraged to schedule a free consultation with an approved provider like Efficient Energy Group. They can then learn more about how to benefit from the air conditioning discount and other energy-efficient solutions. The consultation can also help identify the best products and services to maximise energy savings.
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