Minister for Corporate and Information Services, Lauren Moss today unveiled a new digital stimulus package to drive innovation, build capacity in the local ICT industry, and create jobs for Territorians.
The stimulus package is the centrepiece of the first-ever Digital Strategy for the Northern Territory, delivering on a key Gunner Labor Government election promise.
The Digital Partnerships grants program will see $1 million over two years made available to local ICT businesses in matched funding to develop digital innovations in partnership with other industry sectors in the NT.
The program aims to support the local ICT industry to build capacity and create jobs, foster partnerships between the Territorys IT sector and other local industries and encourage the development of innovative digital solutions to meet local challenges and support economic growth.
It is a key action under the Territorys first-ever Digital Strategy, released by Minister Moss today.
The Digital Territory Strategy establishes a framework for maximising the opportunities of the digital age for all Territorians across our business, industry, education, community and government sectors, as well as helping to keep Territorians safe online.
The Strategy has a focus on five key areas, identified during extensive consultation:
- Growing jobs and business
- Connecting Territory communities
- Building digital skills
- Enabling smarter communities
- Improving Government services for Territorians.
The Strategy was developed following extensive community and industry consultation, with more than 155 digital ideas and 40 written submissions received through a series of community forums, workshops, consultation sessions and online feedback.
The Digital Territory Strategy will be driven through collaborations across individuals, businesses, community, industry and government. It is underpinned by an Action Plan that presents the first published set of over 60 digital actions and reflects on our digital journey so far, showcasing some inspiring achievements from all parts of the Territory.
The Digital Territory Strategy will be underpinned by an Action Plan that will be reviewed and refreshed annually and will incorporate new initiatives in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Guidelines for the Digital Partnerships grant program will be developed over coming months in consultation with the ICT industry and other stakeholders, with the program to start in early 2019.
For copies of the Digital Strategy and Action Plan visit the new Digital Territory website digitalterritory.nt.gov.au
As stated by Minister for Corporate and Information Services, Lauren Moss
The Digital Strategy is the first of its kind for the Territory and sets out a framework that will enable Territorians to make the most of digital technology to create and take on the jobs of the future, to build connections, to reach their potential and to thrive in a digital economy.
Around 92 per cent of future jobs will require digital skills, so its critical that we are laying the foundations now for a digitally savvy Territory, where Territorians not only have the skills and knowledge they need to take on the jobs of the future but are also equipped to become digital leaders and innovators.
The exciting thing about digital technology is that it can bridge the divide for Territorians in the bush with the right skills and access to technology, they can take on digital jobs and opportunities as well as people in urban settings.
Digital technology presents enormous opportunities for us to find new solutions to long-standing challenges, including how we deliver quality services to Territorians across vast distances and business enterprise development in even the most remote parts of the Territory.
The ICT industry is rapidly becoming a foundation industry that will underpin the success of other industry sectors across the economy. All businesses from local family operations to large corporates depend on reliable ICT services and need to take advantage of digital innovations and technology advances to remain competitive.
The local ICT industry has been telling me that they want to grow their own capabilities and businesses by supporting other industries to make these digital advances.
The Digital Partnerships grants program will support local technology-focused innovations with growth potential and build stronger collaborative ties between the local ICT industry and other key industry sectors to create jobs and grow the economy.
