Queensland leads digital revolution

Queensland is on course to become Australia’s most digitally interactive state, opening up Government information and services for more Queenslanders, with the release of GoDigitalQld, part of the State’s strong plan for a brighter future.

Information Technology Minister Ian Walker said the Queensland Digital Economy Strategy and Action Plan maps how Queensland would move ahead and stake our claim in the global digital market place, and was a major milestone in the Government’s election promise to revitalise frontline services.

“We want families to have access to the information they need, when they need it,” Mr Walker said.

“This is about helping Queenslanders, particularly in rural and remote communities, to connect with their friends, family and broader communities, and to grow their businesses. It’s also about developing our local digital industry and creating a modern Queensland Government.

“The former Labor government was stuck in the past and its refusal to make access to information easier to obtain shows it had no accountability and no plan for Queenslanders.

“Developing the digital economy is integral to making us more prosperous, advancing our economy, creating jobs of the future, attracting investment and improving the lives of all Queenslanders.

“It boosts productivity and innovation, improves services and reduces costs while enabling industry and business to become globally competitive and access new markets and customers.

“The GoDigitalQld strategy will assist all Queenslanders to quickly adapt to the digital realm and embrace the opportunities provided, not only within our government sector but also within the four pillars of Queensland’s economy.

“It is our framework for increasing digital awareness, confidence and skills across Queensland.

“It’s the Queensland Government’s roadmap for working with local governments, regional development bodies and industry to build the state’s digital capabilities.

“We have already delivered on our promise to open up government data for public use with more than 800 datasets available on the Open Data Portal, which will help people use government data to create business opportunities and mobile applications, making Queensland more connected.

“We are also making access to government information and services simpler and easier than ever before through our One-Stop Shop initiative, that’s providing Queenslanders with more self-service options which can be accessed through digital devices, anywhere, anytime.”

Bundaberg Mayor Mal Forman said the GoDigitalQld strategy assists regional Queensland to take full advantage of the evolving digital economy.

“The GoDigitalQld strategy dovetails with the work we’ve been doing to establish our region as a digital ready and competitive environment that attracts business, promotes economic growth and opportunities, and supports vibrant communities,” Mayor Forman said.

“It will not only help improve the lives of our local residents but also help local businesses prosper by providing more export opportunities, more local jobs and better access to medical services via video link.”

Visit the Queensland Government website www.qld.gov.au/godigitalqld to find out more about the GoDigitalQld Queensland Digital Economy Strategy and Action Plan.

[ENDS] 17 June 2014

Media Contact: Monica Rostron 0409 126 332