INTERMEDIUM RESOURCES

Must-know ICT and government terminology

A glossary of information and communication technology (ICT) and public sector terms to help suppliers more credibly engage with government.

Term Definition
Tell us once

The ability to update citizen information across the entirety of government from a single notification, meaning that citizens are not required to provide the same information multiple times to different government entities. Sometimes referred to as "no wrong door". While superficially simple, tell us once implementation can be difficult to implement seamlessly due to the behind-the-scenes complexity of government; issues arising can include agency silos, differing data standards, and regulatory issues (such as privacy protections for sensitive data).

Template

A pre-designed layout or framework used to create or standardise digital documents, such as web pages, reports, presentations, and spreadsheets. Templates usually contain placeholders for text, images, and other content, which can be easily modified or customised to suit specific requirements. They are designed to save time and effort in creating and formatting documents, as well as to ensure consistency and professionalism in the output. Templates can be created using various software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, and InDesign.

Testing

The process of evaluating an application or system to identify any defects, errors, or other issues that may affect its functionality, performance, security, or usability. In a software context, testing can be performed at different stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC), including unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and acceptance testing. It involves various techniques and methodologies, such as functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT).

Thought leader

An individual who is recognised as an expert or authority in the field of ICT. They are often invited to speak at conferences, seminars, and events to share their knowledge, insights, and opinions on the latest trends, technologies, and innovations shaping the industry.

Tracking

The process of monitoring the movement and location of objects, people, or information. This can be achieved through the use of various technologies such as GPS, RFID, and barcode scanning. The collected data can then be used for various purposes such as inventory management, supply chain optimisation, and asset tracking. Tracking can also refer to the monitoring of user behavior on websites or applications, which can be used for marketing and analytics purposes.

Training

The provision of education and training programs designed to equip individuals or organisations with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use and manage technology products and services. These services can be delivered through various methods, including in-person training sessions, online courses, webinars, and workshops.

Transformational actvity/large scale dev

The process of creating complex information and communication technology (ICT) systems that involve multiple components, technologies, and stakeholders. Large-scale ICT development projects typically require a high level of coordination, collaboration, and project management to ensure the successful integration and delivery of the final system. Large-scale ICT development projects can involve a wide range of activities, such as requirements gathering, design and architecture, software development, testing and quality assurance, deployment and implementation, and ongoing maintenance and support. Includes the whole-of-government design and implementation of a major new system to either support a major new government policy, or to realign the way in which agencies conduct their business inter or intra-jurisdictionally. Often requires legislative enablement and is therefore the most difficult and expensive type of change and can be highly politicised. It therefore happens rarely. Examples are Digital Identity platform, licencing platform, myHealthRecord etc

Transport

Agencies involved in facilitating the movement of people and goods. This includes the development, management, and regulation of transportation infrastructure such as roads, highways, railways, airports, seaports, and public transport systems.

Treasurer

A senior minister who is responsible for managing the government's economic policy and financial affairs. They are a typically a member of the Cabinet and head of the Treasury department, which is responsible for developing and implementing economic policy, managing public finances, and providing economic advice to the government. The Treasurer is also responsible for developing and delivering the jurisdiction's annual budget.

Treasury

Agencies responsible for the management of public finances, including revenue collection, budgeting, expenditure management, and economic policy development.