The NSW Digital Strategy, released October 2024, sets the future direction for the state’s digital landscape. Committed to delivering digital with purpose, the strategy aims to make sure no one is left behind on their digital journey. Led by Digital NSW and shaped by extensive consultation with government, communities, industry and academia, this strategy is set to have a big impact.
At its core, the strategy is underpinned by 5 ‘missions’, each prioritising accessible, inclusive, secure and integrated digital services for all people in NSW. Together, these missions represent a leap forward in using digital technology to help the NSW Government meet their objectives.
Laura Christie, NSW Government Chief Information and Digital Officer, and Mark Howard, Executive Director of Digital Strategy, Investment and Assurance at Digital NSW, spoke to us about how the NSW Digital Strategy will guide digital transformation for the state.
Why is the NSW Digital Strategy so important?
There’s no doubt that most aspects of our lives are becoming increasingly digitised. The NSW Digital Strategy will make sure technology is used in a purposeful way, instead of just doing ‘digital for digital’s sake’.
This strategy capitalises on the state’s maturity in digital governance and builds on the lessons learned during the pandemic. NSW’s digital initiatives are all in service of achieving broader government goals.
"This strategy embeds digital in delivering All-of-Government priorities in a way we haven’t really seen before."
- Laura Christie, NSW Government Chief Information and Digital Officer
What does the strategy aim to achieve?
Each ‘mission’ of the strategy highlights a key focus for the NSW Government. The strategy aims to reflect our rapidly changing world by addressing new technology such as AI and pressing issues affecting the community such as sustainability. The 5 missions of the strategy are:
1. Make digital services accessible, inclusive and connected for everyone in NSW
2. Use digital to improve service delivery, support the local economy and drive productivity
3. Underpin trust in government through reliable, stable digital services and sustainable Digital Infrastructure
4. Keep NSW safe and resilient during emergencies online and in-person
5. Uplift digital capability in the public sector workforce
The first mission will make sure that government services are more accessible and inclusive of all people in NSW. “It commits government to designing services that all of our 8 million customers can access,” says Laura.
"There is so much untapped potential for digital to have an impact on government services, and the new strategy directly outlines this across the 5 missions."
- Mark Howard, Executive Director, Digital Strategy, Investment and Assurance
Another major goal of the strategy is increasing productivity, especially in the public sector, by using digital tools. “Mission 2 is focused on the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and forming partnerships with industry and academia. This is an exciting opportunity to address government challenges and digitise government services, which will benefit everyone and boost productivity,” says Mark.
Laura highlighted the critical importance of maintaining trust and security, especially in a time where AI and data use is growing. “With new technologies such as AI, it’s really important that government is implementing it to the highest ethical and security standards,” she says.
How is digital technology helping NSW communities?
The NSW Government recognise that digital is not just a tool but a strategic enabler, pushing NSW forward across many areas – from inclusivity to productivity to life-saving technology solutions.
Digital platforms such as the Hazards Near Me app show the practical, life-saving potential of digitised services, offering faster emergency notifications during natural disasters. “The State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service can notify people in 3 minutes, where it used to be 30 minutes. It is absolutely saving lives and properties,” says Laura.
For Mark, the Single Digital Patient Record is a standout digital investment. “It’s a truly transformational program that is aiming to drive better patient care by enabling better decision making,” he says.
What is the role of Digital NSW?
Digital NSW plays a key role in helping NSW government agencies navigate digital transformation. “We support them to deliver better services in a cost-effective way,” says Laura.
Digital Strategy, Investment and Assurance (which sits within Digital NSW) supports central government to think strategically about how digital can enable government outcomes. “We help them understand common challenges and opportunities, and provide evidence and analysis,” says Mark.
The real-world application of the NSW Digital Strategy will be measured through the ‘commitments’ embedded in the strategy. Most importantly, the strategy will make sure that all digital innovation is done to support the government in reaching their objectives. NSW’s digital transformation journey is on an exciting trajectory.
Read the NSW Digital Strategy