Transport for NSW is finally set to release real-time GPS data from its Public Transport Information Priority System, allowing third party developers to turn it into apps for commuters to predict arrival times for the State’s public buses. It has invited interested parties to participate in an ‘App Hot House’ development weekend starting 3 November 2012.
The Queensland Government has launched a new ‘e-Government’ program aimed at making its operations more transparent and leveraging economic value from its internally created data sets. Campbell Newman has named Ray Stevens as his Assistant Minister for e-Government. Stevens will oversee the establishment of the data.qld.gov.au website, in the model of similar websites across the other Australian jurisdictions.
IT News reports that the NSW Government has commenced a review of its ICT workforce, including contractors, which forms one of 85 action items in the State’s ICT Strategy. Finance and Services Minister Greg Pearce advised IT News that the review was not intended to find staff cuts, but rather provide “better, more interesting jobs” for public servants.
At the beginning of 2013 Andrew Metcalfe will take over as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), where he will replace outgoing Secretary Dr Conall O'Connell who has served in the position for more than five years. Metcalfe was until recently the Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) where Martin Bowles is currently acting in the top job.
ZD Nethas reported that the Department of Parliamentary Services plans to establish a new ICT division with oversight for “acquiring, installing, and supporting hardware and software for parliamentarians' offices in parliament and their electorates, parliamentarians' mobile computing requirements, as well as the requirements of the departments within the parliament”.
It is currently undergoing a recruitment process to select a Chief Information Officer to lead the division.
The Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia, within the Attorney-General and Justice portfolio, is looking to recruit a Chief Information Officer, with applications open until 30 October 2012.
Fire & Rescue NSW is looking at ways to source “fire-fighter proof” ruggedised tablet computers, after feedback from its frontline staff revealed frustration with bulky chemical manuals that often need to be consulted in times of emergency.
The Queensland Audit Office has revealed that it plans to investigate the Health Department’s management of its eHealth program and the reliability and effectiveness of the State’s online service delivery, with reports to be handed down in quarter three of 2012-13.
The NSW Police has chosen to stay with NEC for the maintenance and support of its multi-vendor voice and data systems, across more than 500 urban and regional stations as well as corporate offices in NSW.
The $12 million, three-year contract will cover the Police Force’s telephones, PABX units, the Genesys call centre system, Cisco Call Managers, Cisco switches, routers, firewalls, wireless LAN, and IP networks.
The WA Department of Health has engaged five suppliers to form a panel providing ICT Developer Services for its Health Information Network, worth an estimated $4 million over three years.
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