Qld digital strategy saves time and money

A new digital strategy has been launched by the Queensland Government, designed to save people time and money.

It is hoped that DIGITAL1ST: Advancing our digital future will help position Queensland as a leader in ‘digital government’.

“The cost efficiencies driven by digital technology are really starting to make an impact so we can invest in better services for our communities,” said Leeanne Enoch, Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Minister for Small Business.

“In just one example, by replacing paper-based transactions with over 400 new online services, the government can save an estimated $13 per transaction. This amounts to around $400 million per year that can be redirected to other services.”

Taking a ‘digital first’ approach will also continue to reduce the time Queenslanders are spending in queues, filling out paperwork and waiting for forms to be processed.

“Hundreds of government services still need you to spend time out of your day to visit a counter with a form and ID when you want to apply for things like a licence, vehicle permits or land tax payments,” Enoch said.

“Taking a digital approach means getting more services online and enabling Queenslanders to only have to prove their identity once. Transforming these everyday services will mean time savings for Queenslanders, as well as government employees.”

Examples of digital technology improving service delivery include helping medical professionals access patient records in real time anywhere in the state and preserving the environment in the state’s far north.

The government is collaborating with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, BHP Billiton and traditional owners to protect seabirds and marine turtles using drones on Raine Island.

Minister for the Great Barrier Reef Steven Miles said using drones to gather data about the delicate ecology was a game changer for protecting and restoring the island’s critical habitat.

“UAVs have been deployed successfully, with minimal impacts on the seabirds which also nest on the island,” Miles said.

“This makes a profound difference to the monitoring of turtles at night, when most nesting occurs.”

eHealth Queensland Chief Executive Dr Richard Ashby said a digital hospital program converting medical records from traditional charts and paper files will be introduced to 24 hospitals across Queensland by 2020.

“Following the second stage of the integrated electronic medical record (ieMR) rollout at the Princess Alexandra, with the medications management, anaesthetics and research support (MARS) release this year, we are delivering improvements to patient care and safety through more accurate and efficient prescribing and administration of medications,” Ashby said.

“The scale of this digital change is unprecedented in Australia, and by going digital we will be able to provide patients with the best care possible.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/mizar_21984

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