Prestigious awards to showcase public sector innovation

Innovative and cutting edge technology used to deliver government services to Queenslanders will be applauded as part of a prestigious national award program.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said the new ‘Queensland Premier’s iAward for Public Sector Innovation’ category as part of the iAwards will help promote and recognise innovation and new technologies, and showcase the best of Queensland’s information technology credentials.

The iAwards, now in its 22^nd year, is Australia’s premier ICT innovation awards program and recognises exemplary outcomes and inventive application of ICT across all facets of the economy including within the public sector.

“The key goal of the iAwards is to discover, recognise and reward the ICT innovations that have the potential to, or are already having a positive impact on the community – at home, in the office and on a global scale,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland jobs and innovation plan is helping to foster innovation in every industry, whether it is mining and agriculture or small business, and we are also looking at our own public service delivery.

“We also recognise the importance of digital transformation within the public sector and how a digital-first approach will help to meet the changing needs and expectations of Queenslanders.

“There is work underway within the public sector to be innovative and deliver services needed by Queenslanders in smarter and more effective ways."

Rob Fitzpatrick, CEO of AIIA, said government plays a critical role as leader and enabler of innovation, with its spending representing around 35% of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product.

“With digital disruption now a centrepiece on the Australian agenda, the AIIA is excited to join the Queensland Government in announcing the inaugural Queensland Premier’s iAward for Public Sector Innovation,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“This award recognises the bold and cutting-edge ideas that Queensland repeatedly demonstrates. This year we are sure that momentum will continue to grow, building on existing innovations such as those in emergency management, child protection, e-health and smart cities.

“The Queensland Premier’s iAward for Public Sector Innovation is another key element of the Queensland Government’s digital ecosystem, reinforcing its reputation as a pioneer in technological innovation across core sectors of the economy. I encourage all Queensland Government departments and agencies to nominate in the 2016 iAwards."

The iAwards are independently judged by the ICT industry. Nominations close on 18 April 2016.

The Queensland iAward winners, to be announced in June, will go onto the national awards to be held in Melbourne in September. Winners at the national level then have the opportunity to compete internationally at the affiliated Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) program.

For more information visit the iAwards website.

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201