Digital Territory Strategy

Initiative

Encouraging Territory women to take up digital careers through the inaugural 'Inspiring Women into Technology Summit'.

Overview

The summit is a key first step to increase opportunities for women and girls in the Territory's digital industry.

Women are underrepresented in ICT jobs; nationally around 28% of ICT jobs are filled by women and this needs to change. High income digital jobs are increasing and it is vital that women have the opportunity and skills to take up digital careers and contribute to the future digital landscape.

Benefits

The summit will showcase digital career options and share the journeys of successful 'digital women' to increase awareness of job opportunities and pathways for Territory women and girls.

Post summit, further actions will be developed with the local ICT industry to build on outcomes and provide practical steps to achieving gender balance in this important industry..

2019 progress update

The first Inspiring Women into Technology Summit was held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 29 May 2019 as part of the Digital Futures event.

The Summit highlighted exciting developments in digital technologies and included keynote speakers, a panel discussion, interactive activities and information booths to foster confidence in attendees to grow their digital skills and knowledge so they can take up jobs or pursue a career in the digital workforce.

Over 200 people attended the Summit and feedback from attendees was very positive.

Initiative

Co-investing to expand telecommunications infrastructure in the NT's remote areas.

Overview

This investment will help to reduce the digital divide, improve traveller safety and enhance visitor experiences to grow the tourist industry.

Continue the NT Government's successful partnership with Telstra by making further investment in the bush through a new $28 million remote telecommunications co-investment program. The four year program will deliver much needed telecommunications infrastructure to remote locations.

Benefits

This program will put mobile phone and broadband services into more remote communities, along major transport corridors and into key tourism destinations.

This will strengthen the foundations for all other digital initiatives and enable digital inclusion, with more Territorians able to access the communications services already available to most other Australians.

Visitors to the Territory will experience improved connectivity to stay safe and in touch with their friends and family.

2019 progress update

Mobile phone services have been established under the Remote Telecommunications Co-investment program at Atitjere, Kintore and Yarralin. Installation of mobile phone services at Belyuen and Alpurrurulam is in progress and will be completed later in 2019. A service for Bulla is in the design phase to complete the program.

Initiative

Getting ready for electric cars.

Overview

Electric vehicles are no longer cars of the future and are becoming more common in cities around the world.

Government will have a role to play in supporting the deployment of electric vehicles, recharging solutions and where appropriate using electric vehicles in its vehicle and public transport fleet.

Further research is needed to understand how electric vehicles will respond to the challenges of long distance, a harsh climate and low population densities that characterise much of the Territory.

Benefits

Electric vehicles offer lower operating and maintenance costs, less noise, reduced CO2 emissions and air quality improvements.

2019 progress update

An Electric Vehicles (EV) options paper and a research paper have been completed by the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Logistics in consultation with NT Government agencies. An EV discussion paper is being prepared for community consultation to inform development of an EV Strategy and Implementation Plan.

Initiative

Encouraging digital careers through cross section work readiness programs.

Overview

The ICT industry and government will develop new shared pathways to digital jobs for people seeking to enter the local industry.

Industry and government will work together to develop non-traditional and shared pathways to digital jobs through joint traineeship programs.

This will assist the industry to meet anticipated future workforce demand and create more digital jobs.

A combined working group will explore options to develop traineeships and/or work experience programs for entry-level digital jobs on a cost-share basis.

This will involve participants working in both industry and government on rotation, providing exposure to a range of digital jobs.

Benefits

Opportunities for Territorians with different experiences and backgrounds to start a career in the digital industry will be examined.

2019 progress update

Discussions are progressing between ICT Industry, NTG and Group Training NT to design a traineeship program with rotations between ICT industry and NTG. The next steps are to identify priority 'gaps' within the industry and determine an approach and appropriate training to support the timely development of capacity in these areas and engage with Government and industry stakeholders to quantify interest and participation in the program.

Initiative

NTG/Telstra 2015-2018 Remote Telecommunications Co-investment program.

Overview

Mobile phone and/or broadband services are being delivered to 17 remote Territory communities as part of the 2015-2018 NTG/Telstra Remote Telecommunications Co-investment Program.

Communities connected to date are:

• Ali Curung
• Barunga
• Santa Teresa
• Timber Creek
• Titjikala
• Manyallaluk
• Minyerri
• Kaltukatjara
• Umbakumba
• Bulman and
• Weemol.

Communities in progress are:

• Yarralin
• Atitjere
• Kintore
• Mt Liebig
• Belyuen and
• Alpurrurulam.

Benefits

Telecommunications infrastructure underpins all other digital initiatives. This infrastructure investment reduces the digital divide by providing access to modern telecommunications; opening up economic and social opportunities for residents and businesses in remote Territory communities. Communications services will be comparable with those enjoyed by other Australians.

Initiative

'Accelerate' articulates the Department of Education's commitment to improving education outcomes through use of technology, information and data.

Overview

The Department of Education's strategy 'Accelerate – Education for all with technology and information 2019-2022', identifies the approach to accelerate improved education outcomes through use of technology, information and data.

The strategy takes a human centric approach, addressing the needs of students, teachers, school leaders, families and partners and links these to both foundational and transformational priorities for the next three years.

The strategy operationalises the direction of the 'Education NT Strategic Framework 2018-2022', Digital Territory and STEM in the NT 2018-2022, articulating a cohesive vision and practical approach to use digital, data and information in an educational context to accelerate improved education outcomes.

Benefits

'Accelerate –Education for all with technology and information 2019-2022' provides the framework to enhance the use of technology for teaching and learning, and improve access to information to increase student, school and system performance.

Initiative

Acquire an integrated child protection and youth justice digital system to improve outcomes for Territory children and families.

Overview

The functional requirements for an integrated child protection and youth justice system have been identified as part of the Client Management Systems Alignment (CMSA) program for Territory Families.

The procurement of a new system and analysis of requirements for related business systems is in progress.

Selection of a supplier and implementation planning for the system is scheduled to be completed by mid 2020.

Benefits

This digital solution will provide real time data to give frontline child protection workers the information they need to make decisions regarding the safety of vulnerable children.

The system will incorporate mobility, portal and business intelligence functions that will provide timely information to workers both at their desk and in the field.

Initiative

Identify practical approaches that will encourage adoption of a digital-first mindset across government agencies as a foundation for digital transformation initiatives in the 'Plan for budget repair – final report'.

Overview

Protocols will be developed to move digital delivery to be the primary approach for government services to simplify and reduce the costs of providing services.

Traditional service delivery approaches are likely to still be required for some situations but these will supplement the primary digital service platforms.

Moving to a digital delivery model will take time and investment and needs to be managed. Opportunities to be digital-first will present when new services are introduced or existing services modified or upgraded.

Benefits

Digital delivery of government services make them more accessible and easier to use and reduces the time and cost for both government and customers.

Initiative

Consider and review the evolution of supporting technologies and increased bandwidth in regional and remote areas to support improvements in the use of Telehealth and Telemedicine in the delivery of health care services.

Overview

The use of Telehealth and Telemedicine in the delivery of health care services has been maturing over many years aided by the evolution of the supporting technologies and increased bandwidth in regional and remote areas.

This initiative will advance adoption and use of these services by the Department of Health and non-government organisations providing health services in the Territory.

Benefits

Increased use of Telehealth and Telemedicine services enable patients to receive quality care closer to home, improving access to specialist healthcare for people in regional and remote areas and reducing the need to travel for specialist advice.

It provides service providers with access to peer support and enables increased clinical service productivity.

It will also aid in managing health service costs by reducing patient travel expenses.

Initiative

Advocate and collaborate with Federal and State governments to address the digital divide particularly in regional and remote communities in the NT.

Overview

The NT Government is working with federal and state ministers for digital services through the Australian Data and Digital Council to prioritise and collaborate on digital inclusion initiatives, particularly in regional and remote communities.

Initiatives include improving access to digital services and ensuring residents have the skills and knowledge to use digital services safely and effectively.

Benefits

As the service economy increasingly moves online in retail, entertainment, education and health; Government needs to ensure that all Territorians, particularly those already disadvantaged, have affordable access to the online world.

Initiative

Job alerts and notification for people seeking NT Government jobs.

Overview

The NT Government's online jobs portal has been updated by introducing a job alerts feature so people interested in applying for government jobs can be automatically notified when jobs that suit their skills and interests become available.

Benefits

This responds to user needs and delivers a value adding digital service for Territorians.

Job seekers will know when suitable vacancies arise and will not miss opportunities.

The NT Government will maximise potential to source quality candidates for vacant positions.

During NT Youth Week, and coinciding with school holidays, the Alice Springs Public Library partnered with Central Australian Youth Link Up Service (CAYLUS) to provide a 'Geek in Residence' program that provided access to computers, iPads and digital training for youth.

This program was delivered by local young 'geek' trainers who delivered fun and educational digital activities that generated lots of interest, input and participation from young people.

Teenagers were taught technical and programming skills developing music, digital gaming and more. These free sessions have been extremely popular with youth in the community and participation has been growing.

The 'Geek in Residence' program won both the community award and the Industry Gold Award at the inaugural NT Digital Excellence Awards in 2017. The program highlights the positive results that can be achieved by partnering with the community.

Initiative

Kulila! ("listen, think and understand") language app supporting Anangu people.

Overview

Senior Anangu women from cross-border communities of the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) region in Central Australia embraced new technology to develop the 'Kulila!' language app. The app records and translates health and medical terms into Pitjantjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra and English.

Traditional healers and interpreters use the language app like a virtual dictionary to record and translate the local Aboriginal languages and help people explain their emotions and health issues using audio, text and images.

Benefits

The app crosses the language barrier for more than 6,000 people in the remote NPY lands by helping them connect with health workers who provide mental health and suicide prevention services in the region.

Valuable community services can be delivered by partnering age-old healing knowledge with modern digital technology. The app also helps to protect the ancient languages spoken across the NPY region for future generations.

Initiative

Applying artificial intelligence for flora and fauna research using image recognition technology.

Overview

A proof of concept is underway using a Microsoft Cognitive Services computer vision system to analyse pictures from camera traps to identify target species for review by scientists.

Previously scientists had to manually review all images from camera traps, including many triggered by the wind or unwanted species.

The next stage in the project is refining and training the system to recognise the taxonomy of the animals captured in the images.

Opportunities are also being examined to use Cognitive Services to analyse drone footage recorded by CSIRO scientists in Kakadu National Park to detect Salvinia, an introduced weed that infests water bodies.

Benefits

The use of these advanced digital technologies will allow scientists to collect and analyse higher volumes of environmental data for research and development of more effective environmental management policies.

Initiative

Plan and scope an automated workflow that transfers non-restricted data in real time between police, justice and corrections.

Overview

The NT Government is working to establish an integrated justice continuum where essential non-restricted data is available to police, justice and corrections officers in real time and without needing data re-entry.

Benefits

When operational, this digital continuum will improve productivity and assist police investigations, the conduct of criminal trials and prison management.

2019 progress update

The project teams for the Police SerPro system and the Justice Veritas project are identifying the information required for common business processes. For example criminal case initiation between Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Courts.

This is includes analysis of data requirements for the interfaces between Police SerPro and DPP-Courts (Odyssey) systems and for the development of the justice information exchange (JIE).

Initiative

Body worn video cameras for Public Housing Safety Officers.

Overview

The use of body cameras by Public Housing Safety Officers has been successfully trialled, following the use of this digital technology by NT Police.

Body cameras improve transparency for dealings between officers, residents and the community.

Benefits

The cameras provide digital records of interactions at public housing, increasing safety and enabling prompt evidence-based decisions.

Initiative

The joint NT Government/NT ICT Industry Association Working Group will identify and progress actions to increase collaboration between government and the ICT sector.

Overview

The NT ICT Industry Association has advocated to government on a range of issues, seeking changes that will improve outcomes for association members.

A joint working group is progressing an open dialogue to examine the issues and seek options for collaborative outcomes.

Mutually agreed approaches and tasks, including a revised Industry Engagement Plan, will be jointly developed over 2018.

Benefits

Government agencies and the ICT Industry Association will share knowledge and ideas to be better aligned and find ways to enhance local industry opportunities from government business and programs.

Overall benefits can accrue through efficient cost effective government services and growth of a competitive and capable local digital industry.

Re-establishing an Industry Engagement Plan will provide more certainty and assist industry planning.

2019 progress update

The joint NTG/NT ICT Industry Association Working Group is progressing actions to increase collaboration between government and the local ICT sector. An ICT industry engagement guide for NT Government agencies has been drafted and a contemporary guide for the ICT industry to engage with NT Government agencies is proposed for development.

A planned independent review of government procurement of ICT services in 2019 is anticipated to inform further actions for the working group to examine.

Initiative

Bring digital industry participants together to identify priority issues for the local digital industry and find approaches that will boost growth opportunities.

Overview

The Office of Digital Government will bring digital industry participants together for the first time in 2018-19 to identify priority issues and canvass approaches to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

The local digital industry is diverse, covering digital entrepreneurs, micro businesses and start-up entities, as well as mainstream ICT companies and international suppliers. Business issues are similarly diverse and warrant consideration across the sector.

Benefits

The local digital sector is made up of more than 300 businesses across the Territory. It is important that all digital businesses can participate and contribute to industry development.

This initiative provides an avenue for issues and opportunities across the sector to be considered, ensuring that all local digital businesses are able to benefit from any policy or service changes.

Finding ways to grow the digital industry benefits the overall Territory economy.

2019 progress update

Potential Digital Industry participants identified and planning commenced with ICT industry representative bodies on a forum to identify future digital industry skills requirements and growth opportunities. A tentative timeframe has been set and scope of issues examined for feedback from key stakeholders.

Initiative

Build, configure and test the Acacia digital health system under the Core Clinical Systems Replacement Program.

Overview

The design phase for Acacia is complete, incorporating over 4600 detailed functional design requirements.

The vendor has commenced building the prototype of the system and the configuration and testing phases will progress over 2019-20.

A staged rollout of the system to NT hospitals is scheduled to commence in 2021 and conclude in 2022.

Benefits

Acacia will remove multiple aging legacy systems, provide digital health records across all NT Health services and facilitate improved client outcomes.

Acacia will provide comprehensive digital information to clinicians at point-of-care across the spectrum of NT Government health services. This will enable better clinical servicing and lower risks.

Acacia requires more than 100 new jobs over the life of the program. This necessitates extensive engagement of ICT professionals, working across multiple project streams and disciplines. Almost all engagements are through Territory enterprises with ICT professionals based in Darwin, providing significant value into the ICT industry, expanding local ICT capability and upskilling opportunities over the program.

Initiative

Build and install six new mobile phone hotspots in regional and remote areas of the NT.

Overview

Sites for the next set of mobile phone hotspots have been identified with the Centre for Appropriate Technology who will install them in 2019-20 under a grant from the NT Government.

The new sites were selected based on the signal strength of the nearest mobile base station, likely usage and alignment with related infrastructure, such as roadside rest areas and tourist sites.

Benefits

Mobile hotspots enable mobile signal to be received over far greater distances, providing connection benefits for travellers, both locals and visitors.

Benefits include improved safety, the ability to stay in touch with family and promotion of the Territory's remote destinations.

Initiative

Build on outcomes from the Remote Telecommunications Ideas Exchange to find sustainable solutions for better and more affordable internet access in regional and remote areas.

Overview

New concepts and innovations that emerge from the Remote Telecommunications Ideas Exchange can be further explored by the telecommunications industry for technical, commercial and customer suitability.

The Australian Government has responsibility for telecommunications and should have an active role in finding solutions for remote internet access and an interest in contributing to this initiative.

Current internet plans are set-up for and work well in urban centres where households have a modem installed and a monthly download allowance.

This model does not suit remote communities where very few houses have modems, committing to a data plan is not feasible and NBN is only available via satellite.

Benefits

Initial ideas from the Exchange can be examined for technical and economic viability by telecommunications experts. This will hopefully progress some concepts to the next stage of design and maintain a focus on finding practical solutions.

This can potentially lead to an increased take up of fixed internet services in remote areas, allowing residents to have internet access and costs similar to those enjoyed by other Australians.

Digital entrepreneurs may be encouraged to create innovative remote communications solutions.

2019 progress update

An examination of available products from telecommunication providers is underway. Discussions have commenced with NBN Co regarding the development of consumer products that are suited to use by residents in remote communities.

Initiative

Build partnerships between the education sector, digital innovators and industry to grow STEM education and increase digital skills.

Overview

The Department of Education will coordinate and pursue partnerships between schools and innovation orientated organisations to strengthen the focus on STEM skills for Territory school students and highlight opportunities that are available through digital jobs.

Benefits

This initiative is another measure to help bridge the jobs gap between demand for people with STEM skills and the number of students taking STEM subjects.

Partnering with digital innovators will inspire students and encourage a focus on digital creation to enhance perceptions of the industry.

2019 progress update

Schools across the Territory are reaching out to industry and higher education partners to provide real world learning opportunities for students. 12 schools have developed partnerships with industry and research professionals through the CSIRO STEM Professionals in Schools program.

Taminmin College and Engineers Australia have worked together to develop the sySTEMic project. Through this, students visited industry partner sites to take part in problem solving of real community issues. Working closely with industry mentors, students presented their solutions to the school, their parents and the community.

Initiative

Build, configure and test the SerPro system to support delivery of frontline police services.

Overview

Detailed implementation planning for SerPro was completed in January 2019 and the build phase is underway through a series of defined functional blocks.

This is scheduled to be completed in late 2020 followed by testing and staged rollout to NT Police regions commencing in 2021.

Benefits

SerPro will support police in providing essential frontline law and order services to the Territory community.

Through integration, mobile access and expanded digital functionality, SerPro will make increase information available to police in the field, reduce manual data input and automate data linkages. This will enhance productivity and assist police, leading to improved public safety.

Local ICT industry jobs will increase through use of ICT professionals over the program. This will provide upskilling opportunities to grow capability and economic value for the industry and the NT.

Initiative

Centralise government ICT services and solutions in the Department of Corporate and Information Services.

Overview

Responsibility for digital and ICT systems, services and staff from NT Government departments has transferred to the Department of Corporate and Information Services in mid 2019 to enable a more efficient single enterprise approach across government.

The centralisation of digital and ICT services is the first step in a reform program that will reorganise, standardise, consolidate and improve the delivery of these services.

Benefits

Consolidating digital and ICT investments, systems and expertise will achieve improved scale, consistency and efficiency and reduce costs and risks.

It will also support longer term digital transformation and process automation programs across government.

Initiative

Establish a text based chatbot to assist Motor Vehicle Registry staff to answer customer queries.

Overview

Establish a text-based chatbot to assist Motor Vehicle Registry staff in answering customer queries.

The chatbot is programmed by loading relevant questions and answers and then uses this knowledge to respond to questions entered by staff.

Benefits

The chatbot will allow staff to provide faster responses to customer queries.

Initiative

Commence the build phase for the Core Clinical Systems Renewal Program (CCSRP).

Overview

The Core Clinical Systems Renewal Program will deliver a modern, integrated digital clinical system across all NT Health services.

The NT Government is making an investment in CCSRP of $259 million over five years. CCSRP is the NT Government's most significant, complex and pervasive digital transformation of frontline services.

The clinical system is being sourced from a leading international health software vendor, InterSystems. A local partner arrangement has been established between InterSystems and Dialog IT to ensure the local industry will benefit from this major program.

Following completion of the Implementation Planning Study in 2017-18, the solution build phase will progress over 2018-19 and conclude in 2021-22.

Benefits

CCSRP will remove multiple aging legacy systems, provide digital health records across all NT Health services and facilitate improved client outcomes.

CCSRP will provide comprehensive digital information to clinicians at point-of-care across the spectrum of NT Government health services. This will enable better clinical servicing and lower risks.

CCSRP requires more than 100 new jobs over the life of the program. This necessitates engagement of extensive ICT professionals, working across multiple project streams and disciplines. Almost all engagements are through Territory enterprises with ICT professionals to be based in Darwin, providing significant value into the ICT industry, expanding local ICT capability and providing opportunities for upskilling over the program.

2019 progress update

The design phase for the CCSRP program is complete, incorporating over 4,600 detailed functional design requirements, developed in consultation with NT Health clinicians.

The vendor has commenced building the prototype of the system which has been given the name 'Acacia'.

Initiative

Conduct a scoping study to establish the feasibility of establishing a commercial data centre in Darwin.

Overview

Conduct a study to examine the scope, viability and requirements to establish a commercial medium-to-large scale high security data centre in the Darwin area, with the intention of servicing national and international markets.

The study will:

• identify the advantages that make Darwin an attractive location
• examine the key elements required to establish a financially viable facility and
• consider the impediments and risks that could impact either the establishment or ongoing operation of a commercial data centre.

The outcomes of the study will allow government to assess the benefits, costs and risks of facilitating this development and explore the opportunity with potential operators.

Benefits

Data centres are the backbone of the new global technology environment. Businesses increasingly rely on access to high capacity computing services and escalating volumes of data to operate and compete.

Establishing a commercial data centre in Darwin to provide these services would generate significant investment and job opportunities in the construction and ongoing operation of the facility.

Initiative

Commercial passenger vehicle compliance database.

Overview

The new digital database allows commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) operators and networks to digitally upload performance data.

The CPV regulator can monitor compliance and initiate actions via the database using programmed business rules.

Benefits

The CPV database provides a streamlined and convenient way for CPV operators to meet their compliance requirements.

CPV regulation activities are improved through applying consistent business rules to all CPV operators that enable prompt action.

Initiative

Commission the new Government Data Centre at Millner to become NT Government's primary data centre.

Overview

This initiative is part of the data centre refresh works program that will relocate data centre services from the Chan Building in Darwin CBD and establish a dual data centre model for government.

A related project to procure a back-up data centre facility is recorded in the design list.

Commissioning the new Government Data Centre is a multi-year, multi-agency project which will complete in late 2019.

Benefits

The work program will greatly reduce government's service continuity risk and set strong foundations for effective data management and future digital advances.

Relocation will enable the Chan Building site to be repurposed and provide better use of this central CBD site.

2019 progress update

The new Government Data Centre in Millner has been commissioned and services are being progressively transitioned from the current data centre in the Chan building. The program continues to be tracking to schedule with collaboration from government agencies and service providers.

Initiative

Investigate the benefits and costs of implementing a common eLearning platform to deliver training and skills development for NT Government staff. 

Overview

Examine eLearning systems and processes currently being used across agencies, consider business needs and identify gaps or changes required.

Develop a business case in 2020 for options to establish an enterprise-wide eLearning platform that will effectively support staff development needs across government.

Benefits

A common eLearning platform will offer efficient and cost effective training and skills development by providing consistent, higher quality learning resources and improved monitoring of progress and outcomes for participants.

Initiative

Consider approaches that will attract skilled digital professionals to the Territory in line with the NT Population Strategy and supplement the digital workforce.

Overview

The Population Strategy identifies a clear economic need to increase the Northern Territory's population.

Additionally, the Australian Computer Society projects ICT job growth in the NT of close to 2.9% each year for at least six years.

While digital skills development programs will improve capacity over the longer term, there is a need to supplement the local skills base in the near term to meet demand and extend capability.

Government's major digital transformation programs can assist to leverage skills expansion by bringing highly skilled ICT workers to the NT for periods of three to four years, providing valuable opportunities to upskill locally-based ICT professionals.

Benefits

Increasing digital professionals in the NT will benefit the local digital industry through increased access to more highly skilled resources, upskilling and boosting knowledge sharing.

The Territory economy will also benefit through increases in population, skills base and capability.

2019 progress update

The Welcome to the Territory incentive program released a part of the NT Population Growth Strategy in November 2018 includes digital jobs as high priority occupations that are eligible for relocation and retention bonuses.

The Northern Territory Migration Occupation List also identifies many digital occupations, where highly skilled foreign professionals can be nominated to migrate to the NT.

Initiative

Construct a state-of-the-art STEAM Centre at Darwin High School.

Overview

The NT Government has awarded a contract for $15.9 million to build a contemporary STEAM Centre at Darwin High School.

This infrastructure will complement and enhance the STEAM centre of excellence established at the school.

Benefits

A dedicated facility for teaching STEAM skills to secondary students will enhance learning experiences and make it easier for students to develop core knowledge and digital competencies.

2019 progress update

The purpose built STEAM centre at Darwin High School was opened in October 2019.

The centre supports integrated learning opportunities for students to apply their Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics knowledge, working collaboratively to produce projects or solve complex problems.

Initiative

Cyber Security Awareness Month expanded.

Overview

Cyber Security Awareness Month expanded to a month long program in October 2017 delivering presentations in Darwin and regional centres to over 1,000 participants from Territory businesses, government and the local ICT industry.

Benefits

Attendees received useful tips and crucial information to better protect their data, systems and devices from cyber threats and scams which continue to escalate in terms of intensity, frequency and sophistication.

A number of major businesses supported this program by delivering free presentations and willingly sharing their stories and advice.

Initiative

Work to improve the coordination of government services by enabling secure sharing of key digital data between NT Government agencies.

Overview

Data sharing describes a variety of ways of re-using data collected by government agencies in order to greatly increase its value and generate benefits to business and the community.

But for these benefits to be realised, Territorians must have confidence that their privacy and security remains paramount when public sector data is being accessed or shared.

The legislative and policy framework for sharing data between NT Government agencies is being developed to provide the structures to ensure the data is used appropriately, is stored in a secure environment and its access is restricted to authorised staff and no personal information is disclosed.

The NT data sharing framework will align with the Australian Data and Digital Council project to unify strategies across jurisdictions to build trust with the public when developing new data sharing projects.

Benefits

Data sharing provides opportunities for improving government services through better coordination of services across agencies, providing the evidence for new policy and reducing the demand on citizens and businesses to provide the same information each time they interact with a different government agency.

For example, it would enable the development of service where an individual could change their address in a single transaction and have this communicated to all relevant government agencies.

Initiative

Define future workforce skills needed in the NT and update the NT Government's ICT Capability Framework so workers better understand and prepare for digital roles.

Overview

An ICT Capability Framework for the NT Government has identified the skills, knowledge and experience requirements for ICT roles across government as a guide for agencies and staff.

The framework will be examined and potentially refreshed in 2019 to make sure it continues to meet needs.

Stakeholders, including government agencies, unions and ICT professionals, will be engaged in this refresh process.

Benefits

The framework helps government agencies address ICT skills gaps and build strategies to attract skilled workers and develop existing staff.

Requirements for ICT jobs are clearly identified, helping agencies and workers to understand and prepare for digital roles.

2019 progress update

The Industry Skills Advisory Council of the NT (ISACNT) is reviewing and rewriting IT qualifications from Certificate I to Advanced Diplomas in IT, ensuring learners are building industry relevant skills. As part of the process, ISACNT is consulting about emerging IT trends, employability, knowledge and skills needs of the ICT sector.

The NT Government is engaging with the local ICT Industry and ISACNT to refresh the NTG ICT Capability Framework.

Initiative

Designing a smart city platform for Darwin City.

Overview

The platform will provide the foundation for integration of the City of Darwin's digital program.

The City of Darwin is planning to create a smart city platform incorporating smart controllers, data analytics and sensors for video, sound, climate and environmental conditions.

Benefits

This initiative will provide the foundation infrastructure to enable essential council services to be automated within a few years. The initiative links to a range of digital actions identified by the City of Darwin in the Switching on Darwin project and is jointly funded by the Federal and Territory governments and the City of Darwin.

Coordination and design work across the City of Darwin's digital initiatives is planned over 2018-19.

2019 progress update

A Smart City IT platform has been implemented to host and channel data from numerous rain, sound and environmental sensors into a single point for management and analysis. Testing and commissioning of data sources and integration into the smart city platform has commenced and is due for completion in December 2019.

Initiative

Design an information system for capturing and presenting natural resource data informing future water and land management activities.

Overview

A portal is being developed to make data about natural resources such as water, soil, landscapes, vegetation, biodiversity and fire management available online to stakeholders, land managers and the community.

Benefits

Information will be easily accessible to users, supporting governments' Open Data Policy.

Territorians will benefit by having ready access to data about the Territory's natural resources, which will improve community understanding of water and land management requirements.

In addition the portal will provide investors, land holders, traditional owners and others with strategic information to make informed natural resource decisions.

2019 progress update

The collection of detailed natural resource data for all 12 identified areas in the Mapping the Future Program commenced in July 2018. The data collected to-date is being collated and analysed.

In principle, it has been agreed to provide the final reports and data to the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation for publication in their investor portal. The data will also be available to the public via the Natural Resource Maps in the NT Open Data Portal and esri Story Maps.

Initiative

Commencing ICT program for a modern, integrated child protection and youth justice solution that improves outcomes for Territory children and families.

Overview

This program incorporates a new core case management system along with a data exchange and analytics solution.

Government is investing $64 million over four years into this program which represents the third major frontline digital transformation initiative and will assist to deliver on key recommendations from the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory.

A public tender for the core system will be released in 2018-19 applying government's Buy Local Policy to encourage local industry involvement, with ICT professional skills to be sourced locally through Territory enterprises to the maximum extent.

Benefits

This digital solution will provide real time data to give frontline child protection workers the information they need to make decisions regarding the safety of vulnerable children. The system will incorporate mobility, portal and business intelligence functions that will provide timely information to workers both at their desk and in the field.

2019 progress update

The functional requirements for an integrated Child Protection and Youth Justice system have been identified as part of the Client Management Systems Alignment (CMSA) program for Territory Families. The procurement of a new system and analysis of requirements for related business systems is in progress.

Initiative

Design and manufacture an undersea fibre optic cable that will connect the Tiwi Islands to the national telecommunications network, strengthening digital connections to the Islands.

Overview

The NT Government is providing Vocus with grant funding of $8.5 million over three years to deliver an undersea fibre optic cable connecting the Tiwi Islands to the national telecommunications network.

Cable design and manufacturing works will be progressed over 2018-19 in preparation for installation in the following year.

This initiative will provide high quality and high capacity optic fibre telecommunications backbone infrastructure to the Tiwi Islands.

Benefits

When complete, this new cable will improve the reliability and capacity of telecommunications for residents and businesses on the Tiwi Islands. This will help to limit the service disruptions in poor weather that occur now and deliver new broadband internet opportunities.

Tiwi Islands' residents and businesses will benefit from having modern communications to the same standard as other parts of Australia. Further work can then be undertaken to improve connections on the Islands from the cable backbone to premises.

2019 progress update

Marine survey and design for the link is complete and the optic fibre cable is planned to be laid in the second half of 2019 with the works to be completed by the end of 2019.

Initiative

Determine how best to collect data in remote communities so that this information can be used in future Telstra digital inclusion index reports.

Overview

Telstra publishes and periodically updates a digital inclusion index for Australia that provides a snapshot of digital progress across the country. Data for the NT's remote communities has not been included due to difficulties with data capture and reliability.

Members of the local digital industry have expressed interest in collaborating with Telstra to enable more NT data, particularly for remote communities, to be collected for future index reports.

Benefits

Bringing data for the NT's remote communities into the index will improve its coverage and provide reliable measures for the NT that can be tracked over time.

This will enhance the index, providing a better measure of digital inclusion in remote parts of Australia and the extent to which this is changing over time.

2019 progress update

The Centre for Appropriate Technology (CfAT) was contracted by Telstra to undertake Digital Inclusion Surveys in three remote NT indigenous communities; Ali Curung, Yarralin and Alpurrurulam.

The surveys were completed for each community in 2018 and reports have been provided to Telstra.

Ali Curung has had mobile phone services for some time and two communities have mobile service planned but yet to go 'live' (Yarralin and Alpurrurulam). Follow up visits are planned for Yarralin and Alpurrurulam to compare community Digital Inclusion Survey responses before and after local mobile service is provided.

Initiative

Develop a data governance framework to for NT Government data in consultation with stakeholders across government.

Overview

Data governance describes the people, processes and information technology required to apply consistent and proper handling of data across government.

The data governance framework will establish roles and responsibilities for maintaining the quality, security and appropriate use of the data.

The framework will specify how the requirements for data governance operate across the NT Government; clearly set out the Government’s expectations of agencies; outline good practice for data governance and assist NT Government agencies where needed to adopt suitable practices.

The data governance framework is a key element in the related action to develop a data sharing legislative and policy framework.

Benefits

The Framework will provide the basis to increase the value of data for decision making and policy development, reduce the risks of inappropriate or unauthorised use and facilitate data sharing and advanced analytics.

Initiative

Develop a digital government transformation plan to identify priorities for transformation and consider digital technologies that could create efficiencies in the delivery of government services.

Overview

A Digital Government Transformation Plan will be developed as a key government initiative from 'A plan for budget repair – final report'.

This plan will build on the directions and actions in the Digital Territory Strategy and apply the Digital Services Policy.

The transformation plan will identify the technologies and business processes that offer the greatest potential to enhance the quality of services to the community, create efficiencies in the delivery of services and reduce the cost to government.

Benefits

Digital approaches will enable simpler, more convenient and faster government service delivery for the community and reduce costs, particularly for small and isolated communities.

The data collected from these services can also be used to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of government programs.

Initiative

Commence preparation of a roadmap for the automation of manual, labour intensive and repetitive administrative tasks using process automation technologies as recommended in 'A plan for budget repair – final report'.

Overview

A roadmap will be developed setting out the benefits, requirements and investment needed to automate manual, labour intensive and repetitive tasks using process automation technologies.

The initial focus of the automation roadmap will be on analysing back-office services that require high levels of administrative support and assessing the process automation technologies that could perform these functions more efficiently.

This analysis will be applied to develop a business case identifying the priorities for process automation and the estimated benefits and costs.

Benefits

Process automation presents an opportunity to meet increased demands for services without increasing the workforce. It allows administrative staff to transition from lower value transaction processing and compliance roles to higher value customer services and strategic advice roles.

Initiative

Develop a single integrated budget management system for NT Government agencies, providing cost centre level budget allocation and expenditure tracking.

Overview

Planning for an NT Government integrated budget management system is well progressed. The system, SAGE, will enable disciplined budget management monitoring, real-time financial performance and cash flow analysis as recommended in 'A plan for budget repair – final report'.

Benefits

An integrated budget management system will provide a common and rigorous solution that improves financial management, reduces monthly reporting effort and lowers the risk of errors.

Agency Chief Executives will also be better supported to manage their budget.

Initiative

Develop and maintain a five-year ICT systems roadmap outlining priority projects and major system upgrade or replacement requirements as recommended in 'A plan for budget repair – final report'.

Overview

The ICT system stocktake information as described in a related action will be used as a base to develop a five-year roadmap across government's major ICT systems considering business needs, to identify the relative priority and high level plans to ensure the ICT systems can continue to effectively support government.

The roadmap will also identify digital systems or changes required to effectively support new government policies and programs and allow appropriate prioritisation.

Benefits

The ICT system roadmap will take some time to properly establish and will then be used to enable better long term planning from both an ICT and budget perspective.

The roadmaps will facilitate informed strategic investment decisions and development of industry capabilities.

Initiative

Develop job pathways and support for Territory women and girls in the digital sector, particularly in the local ICT industry, helping to foster a more gender balanced workforce.

Overview

Following the Inspire Women in Technology summit, opportunities will be sought for local digital industry champions and partners to take lead roles in increasing employment and career options for Territory women.

The NT ICT industry will work with educators and government over 2019 to gather baseline data on ICT jobs and design job pathways that will encourage and enable women to take up digital jobs.

An industry commitment to a targeted increase over five years that improves gender parity will be sought.

An informal support network will be created to share information, coach and mentor women in the industry or those looking to start a digital career.

Benefits

Increasing female participation in the male dominated ICT sector will benefit the industry and all digital professionals by expanding the resource pool and bringing a wider range of skills and experiences to the workplace.

The benefits to industry, business and workers that arise through greater diversity and gender balance have been proven across multiple industries.

Establishing baseline data and growth targets will allow the local ICT industry to measure its success.

A supportive network will encourage women and open up interesting and challenging job opportunities for women in high income roles that will be more certain and sustainable as the jobs market continues to evolve.

2019 progress update

Preliminary discussions have taken place with industry representatives on collating baseline data on ICT jobs and potential pathways for women.

Initiative

Respond to the Australian Government's requirements for developing nationally consistent regulatory measures that enable safe experimentation and take-up of autonomous vehicles.

Overview

The NT Government successfully trialled an autonomous vehicle in 2017 with a driverless bus taking passengers to and from the Darwin Waterfront. Information gathered from autonomous vehicle trials is being used to inform planning and regulation change.

Governments across Australia are working together to ensure safe and legal operation of autonomous vehicles can occur when the technology becomes more readily available

Benefits

When autonomous vehicles move from trials to the streets, governments need to be assured that the vehicles are safe, that roads and regulations are ready, and that the vehicles will meet community needs.

The NT Government's work in this national program will help ensure automated vehicles can be legally and safely used when they are available for purchase in the Territory.

2019 progress update

The NT is continuing to contribute to the development of automated vehicle policy and regulatory reform via Austroads and the National Transport Commission, at the direction of the Transport and Infrastructure Council.

Initiative

Encourage participation in digital careers through Digital Futures events.

Overview

Benefits

The events will encourage people from diverse backgrounds to pursue digital careers by highlighting the expanding range of skills and capabilities being sought by employers.

Increasing the numbers of people with digital skills will also ensure business and government have qualified staff required to support the digital transformation of their operations.

View a video showcasing this initiative of the Digital Territory Strategy.

Initiative

Host a digital healthcare 'Think Tank' to address systemic challenges in the sector through the effective application of digital technology.

Overview

This initiative will look to establishing a digital healthcare 'Think Tank' that combines the resources of the Non-Government Organisation's (NGO) partners and stakeholders to address systematic healthcare service delivery challenges through the effective use of digital technology.

Benefits

More effective use of digital technologies can improve the efficiency of healthcare services and ensure rising demands for services can be met with available resources.

Initiative

Digital master data management across the NT's Integrated Justice Continuum.

Overview

Master data management enables the capture, validation and management of identity information for people who interact with police, courts and prisons.

The system provides a central identity data store and management solution that utilises data analytics and algorithms to monitor and alert potential data issues, improving the quality of identity data.

Benefits

Productivity for frontline staff is improved by enhancing the accuracy and availability of identity data, requiring less time to identify, check and record a person.

The potential for errors across multiple systems and the effort to rectify is reduced.

The solution also provides positive outcomes for individuals through accurate personal information, including medical needs and circumstances.

Initiative

Progress the development of the six digital solutions funded under the Digital Partnerships program.

Overview

The Digital Partnerships Grants Program provided matched funding of up to $200,000 to local businesses to help develop digital innovations through partnerships with digital businesses in the Territory.

The program will leverage $900,000 in Government funding with $1.4 million in co-contributions to invest a total $2.3 million in six digital innovation projects to be completed over the next two years.

Benefits

The projects will build digital capacity, create local jobs and boost economic growth in key sectors of the Territory economy.

Initiative

Digitise, update and expand the government's cyber security awareness program to reach more Territorians.

Overview

The NT Government has delivered a substantial cyber security awareness program over the past two years for small businesses, government staff and the local ICT industry. The programs have been open to the public with briefings provided in city and regional centres.

It is time to transition the program to a digital format with sessions to be available online by 2019. This will enable a range of digital programs to be incrementally created that are tailored to particular audience groups, needs and skill levels.

Benefits

Moving cyber security education into a digital program will enable the NT Government to reach a wider audience and will allow business owners, community groups and interested people to work through the information when and where it is convenient for them.

Tailored programs will make it easier for people to find information that suits their circumstances and take steps to protect themselves online. Digital programs tend to cost less than non-digital alternatives. This will enable the suite of programs to be expanded and extended to a broader range of audience groups.

2019 progress update

The government’s cyber awareness program was digitised in 2018, delivering a digital internal end user awareness campaign for NTG employees and releasing video training tools for the small business and community sector on the becybersmart website.

The program was also expanded in 2018 to include a focus on the Defence supply chain for the business community.

Digitisation will also be a feature in the 2019 program with the release of a social media cyber awareness campaign aimed to support the seniors and indigenous community.

Initiative

Digitising land use maps across the Northern Territory.

Overview

Dynamic digital land use maps covering the Northern Territory's 1.35 million square kilometres will help the agricultural sector make informed decisions about what crops to grow, where to grow them, and the availability of water.

Benefits

The NT Government and the NT Farmers' Association collaborated to collect the field data to build the digital maps. Information that details the extent of agricultural and horticultural crops across the NT was gathered from 2,847 sites.

The maps also provide critical information for biosecurity risk management and emergency disease preparedness.

Initiative

Expand the use of drones for surveillance of bushfires, rangeland and biodiversity monitoring.

Overview

Examine the potential to expand the use of commercial drones to provide effective and safe surveillance of bushfires as well as exploring their enhanced use in our Rangelands and Biodiversity divisions.

Benefits

The expanded use of drones for bushfire surveillance, rangeland and biodiversity monitoring would provide a safer, cheaper and more responsive alternative to helicopters currently used for this purpose.

Initiative

Enhance government's infrastructure asset management system ASNEX with additional functions.

Overview

While ASNEX has already modernised and improved NT Government infrastructure asset management, a program of functional enhancements will be progressed addressing any new or changed business requirements to ensure the solution remains useful and contemporary.

Local ICT professionals will continue to be employed to create enhancements, maintaining a level of ongoing work and jobs in the industry and ensuring ASNEX remains responsive to business needs.

Benefits

ASNEX supports the efficient delivery of government's asset and infrastructure programs.

Further productivity benefits, more use of spatial data capability and expanding datasets to support government decision making are anticipated in coming years.

2019 progress update

Multiple enhancements have been implemented in ASNEX this year, including a road reporting app, improvements to the ASNEX portal and asset view modules, and upgraded security functionality.

Initiative

Enhance the Bushfire Emergency Management System to streamline operations and improve the effectiveness of volunteer fire fighters.

Overview

A roadmap is in development for further improvements to the Bushfire Emergency Management System (BEMS) following recent enhancements that digitised and streamlined key Bushfires NT operational processes.

Mobile connectivity is providing volunteer firefighters with real-time information in the field about weather conditions, crew locations, fire status, permit burns and messages from Bushfires NT using tablet devices.

Benefits

The system enhancements will lead to improved safety, response times and efficiency when fighting fires, conducting planned burns and providing permits to burn.

Initiative

Enhance the experience for users of NT Government websites by presenting information and services in ways that suit their needs, including a move to incorporate a focus on life events such as the birth of a child.

Overview

The changes will provide a more customer centric focus by presenting information and services based on the activity a client wants to conduct rather than as a series of separate transactions defined by government service structures.

Benefits

The updated web sites will provide Territorians with simpler more convenient ways to access to government services through standardised and streamlined online interfaces.

Initiative

Upgrade or install video conference services for courts in remote communities with adequate bandwidth as part of the Women's Safety Package National Partnership Agreement.

Overview

As part of the Women's Safety Package National Partnership Agreement, new or upgraded video conferencing facilities will be installed in the Yarralin and Nhulunbuy courthouses over 2019; completing a program to improve services in remote courts that have sufficient bandwidth to support these services.

Benefits

Videoconferencing for courts can reduce costs for witness and defendant transport, and make legal services more accessible for people in remote areas.

Initiative

Enterprise contract management system being introduced for NT Government agencies.

Overview

An enterprise contract management system is being introduced to help government agencies effectively manage their supply contracts.

Benefits

The contract management system allows consistent and appropriate processes to be applied across agencies and facilitates process improvements.

Reporting and capacity to meet contract compliance requirements is being enhanced, leading to improved outcomes from government supply contracts.

Initiative

Establish the Northern Territory's first Business Innovation Strategy setting out the NT Government's plan to facilitate and support business-led innovation.

Overview

Innovation is key to sustainability and growth. The Business Innovation Strategy will set out the NT Government's plan to facilitate and support business-led innovation.

The use of emerging digital technology in business is driving innovation worldwide and digital initiatives will be core to supporting innovation in the Territory.

Benefits

The innovation strategy supports growth in the Territory economy and encourages business diversification and sustainability. Innovation can open up new markets and business opportunities for the local business sector.

2019 progress update

The Northern Territory Business Innovation Strategy, launched on 9 October 2018, focuses on strengthening the Territory's business innovation culture and creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem.

The Strategy outlines the Northern Territory Government's approach to ignite, inspire and intensify the innovation ecosystem locally. All actions are underway, with 14 of the 32 actions implemented so far.

Initiative

Mobile phone services will be installed at the major attractions in Kakadu National Park under a partnership between the NT and Australian governments.

The new services will help boost tourism and enhance safety for visitors to the park and local residents.

Overview

Install Mobile phone services will be installed at the major attractions in Kakadu National Park with the sites to be selected based on the number of visitors, safety, technical feasibility and future park investment plans.

Benefits

The new services will promote tourism by encouraging more visitors to the park through improved connectivity and amenity and enhance safety for visitors and local residents.

Initiative

Expand remote connectivity to improve access to education and other services for remote Territory children.

Overview

The NT Department of Education has maintained a STARS satellite network for many years to assist rural and remote students to access education.

The department is working with stakeholders on solutions to improve and expand remote connectivity, including using the STARS satellite network to provide better access to education, health and other government services.

Benefits

In bush locations, particularly where there are no mobile phone or internet services, this satellite network provides vital connections for children to be educated.

Opportunities to broaden and better utilise this network will provide additional benefits to students living in remote locations.

2019 progress update

The Department of Education is working with partners to continually improve remote connectivity and completed the first phase of a trial NBN Skymuster satellite service to replace the existing STARS satellite service in 2018.

This trial was successful and findings have informed the next project phases which aim to enhance remote connectivity in distance education and for remote schools and students.

Initiative

Scope potential to establish a joint Cyber Security Centre and a Cyber Growth Node presence in Darwin, involving the Australian Government and AustCyber.

Overview

The Australian Government is progressing joint cyber security centres in key capital cities. This involves national and state governments and local industry working together to strengthen cyber security across the nation.

AusCyber works with governments to establish Cyber Security Growth Nodes across Australia focused on research to support and grow cyber capability for key industry sectors.

The NT Government is progressing discussions with the Australian Government to set up a smaller scale joint cyber security presence and aligned cyber security growth node capacity for Darwin through regular specialist visitation, local research and advice to industry.

Benefits

The Territory will participate actively in national programs and partnerships to strengthen cyber security. This will improve protection of digital data and systems from cyber criminals, which will help to minimise business disruption, reputation damage and costs that follow cyber-attacks.

2019 progress update

Discussions are underway with the Australian Government about setting up a modified joint Cyber Security Centre in Darwin. The Joint Cyber Security Centre is likely to be supported by expert resources from Canberra providing regular presentations on emerging cyber security issues.

Initiative

Extending digital skills challenge events to children in regional centres.

Overview

Children in regional areas will have opportunities to participate in digital challenges and learn new skills so they can succeed in the digital jobs market.

Digital skills programs successfully delivered in Darwin are being taken to Territory regional and remote centres to reach more NT children. Digital solutions, drone programs, LEGO® League competition, Coding Camps and RoboCup Junior competitions programs are fun learning activities that excite and engage children and foster their natural interest in learning while gaining valuable digital skills.

Benefits

The interactive fun digital programs delivered through schools and libraries will give Territory children access to new digital concepts, learnings and experiences while encouraging digital creativity.

Learning digital skills will allow regional students to prepare for future digital jobs and businesses in their home communities and skills for the future workforce.

2019 progress update

Students across the Territory are participating in digital skills challenge events as one way to encourage team work and digital creativity.

LEGO® League tournaments were held in Darwin and Alice Springs, and a set of digital challenges have been released as part of the National Innovation Science Agenda.

These online resources mean all schools can embed digital challenge events into the broader educational programming at their school.

Initiative

Use facial recognition services to improve licensing for drivers including avoiding issue of duplicate drivers licences.

Overview

Investigate the use of the national facial recognition database to strengthen existing name-based checking processes for the issue of an NT drivers licence; ensuring applicants don't have an existing licence under a different name.

Benefits

Facial recognition technology will help to reduce the risks of people obtaining multiple drivers licences under different names.

Initiative

Finalise establishment of a new backup data centre to provide disaster recovery resilience in the NT Government's ICT environment.

Overview

A contract has been awarded for the provision of facilities to host the backup data centre.

Communications links to the NT Government network and the transfer of secondary computing requirements to the backup data centre is scheduled to be completed by mid-2020.

Benefits

The dual data centre model using the primary site at Millner and the backup data centre will provide enhanced resilience and disaster recovery for critical systems and data.

Initiative

Free wi-fi hotspots at key tourism destinations.

Overview

Wi-fi hotspots at 22 locations across the Territory enable visitors to share their unique holiday experiences with family and friends at no cost.

Benefits

Wi-fi increases the use of social media at tourist locations, which provides invaluable marketing for the Territory. Tourists' expectations to be connected are met which encourages more visitors, helping Territory tourism to be competitive internationally.

Initiative

Complete the design and implementation plan for increasing the availability of wi-fi in high traffic areas of Darwin city.

Overview

This City of Darwin initiative will make it easier for visitors and locals to access the internet while moving around the city.

It will also provide new digital opportunities such as tourism way-finding and local business advertising.

Benefits

Improving wi-fi availability will align Darwin with the mobile communications services that are available in other modern capital cities.

This will enhance visitor experiences and provide a valuable service for visitors, locals and businesses.

2019 progress update

Over 40 Wi-Fi access points have been installed, extending the coverage of the network along the full length of The Esplanade, as well as from Harry Chan Avenue through to the Knuckey Street end of the Mall.

Initiative

Collaborate with the health industry to support digital innovation opportunities that improve health services and reduce costs.

Overview

Demands for health care services is outstripping available resources so it is critical that NT Health and the Industry work together to identify digital innovation opportunities that improve services and reduce costs.

This initiative will look to establishing a framework to guide the interactions between NT Health and Industry to maximise the value of the engagements.

Benefits

NT Health are informed of health care digital innovations within a clearly documented governance framework.

Initiative

Hitnet Hub spreading news in Ngukurr.

Overview

Digital content is being developed and shared across the Ngukurr community via a Hitnet Hub installed in the Ngukurr general store.

Using multi-platform digital technologies and a community wi-fi mesh solution, the hub displays the Ngukurr News, and interactive health and social information in local languages. Digital content is created by the local community and shared via mobile access.

Benefits

The hub uses digital technology to share information locally, encourage participation and community input to important local issues.

Local Aboriginal languages are featured, kept in use and recorded for the future.

This achievement showcases how sophisticated multi-platform digital technologies and community solutions can be applied in a remote location.

Initiative

Identify future mobile phone hotspot sites to expand mobile services in rural and remote areas.

Overview

Following successful mobile hotspot programs in Central Australia and the Top End, further work will be progressed to identify suitable remote sites in the NT for future installations.

Technical investigation of mobile signal strength is required and needs to be aligned with related infrastructure (roadside rest areas, tourist sites), likely usage, costs and other priorities in remote areas to determine feasible installation options.

Benefits

Mobile hotspots enable mobile signal to be received over far greater distances, providing connection benefits for travellers, both locals and visitors.

This investigative work will look at site options and feasibility to ensure the success of any future installation program.

2019 progress update

Sites for the next set of mobile phone hotspots have been identified with the Centre for Appropriate Technology who will install them in 2019-20 under a grant agreement.

Initiative

Identify and scope new or modified courses in STEM, cyber security and digital technology to increase Charles Darwin University (CDU) programs across higher education, certificates and apprenticeships.

Overview

CDU has an initiative to grow and expand the breadth of its digital learning programs.

Traditionally ICT qualifications have been offered as higher education programs. While this remains important, it is too restrictive given the escalating requirements to apply digital knowledge in a range of occupations. VET apprenticeships and certificates now need to recognise and incorporate digital skills.

Benefits

Broadening digital learning programs should attract more interested students and increase CDU enrolments.

This initiative is complementary to other skills and jobs initiatives that, in combination, will work towards growing the digital skills base in the NT.

2019 progress update

CDU will introduce a Bachelor of Digital Enterprise course in 2020 which combines digital technology competencies with communications, business strategy and change management competencies.

The University is also trialling the delivery of micro credentials programs which allow participants to obtain certified qualifications for short courses or individual units that confirm proficiency in specific areas.

Initiative

Using digital story boards to reduce communication barriers with Aboriginal patients.

Overview

This project aims to present health information to Aboriginal people through the use of digital story boards with images, narration and text to reduce communication barriers and improve understanding of medical conditions and associated treatments.

Benefits

Reducing communication barriers using digital story boards is a key activity in enhancing the delivery of safe and effective health care services, improving patient experience and reducing emergency department presentations.

Initiative

Implement the Digital Technologies learning area and the ICT capabilities of the Australian Curriculum across NT schools to establish foundational digital capability.

Overview

It is now well accepted that children need to have STEM knowledge and digital skills to position them to compete for rewarding careers in the future jobs market.

For some years the gap between Australian students with STEM skills and the demand from employers for people with STEM knowledge has been widening. Efforts are being devoted at multiple levels to reduce this gap.

With children's natural curiosity engaged through fun digital activities, this initiative follows through with STEM education and ICT learning to build digital capability foundations that are rapidly becoming essential.

Benefits

This key initiative builds core digital skills for Territory students and underpins or links with other digital skills initiatives.

The Digital Territory Strategy clearly presents the need for STEM education to help children develop essential digital skills for future jobs.

For Territory children to be work ready in a few years, learning STEM will be a foundational capability.

2019 progress update

All NT Government schools are implementing the Australian Curriculum Digital Technologies learning area.

With guidance from the Digital Technologies in Focus Project with the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), schools have developed whole school plans to enhance digital skills of staff and students.

Teachers have also had the opportunity to build their skills in teaching Digital Technologies using online courses developed by the Computer Science Education Research group at the University of Adelaide.

Initiative

Improve the BushTel application and make it easier for people to find the information they need about remote communities online.

Overview

BushTel is a comprehensive government web service that has long been regarded as a valuable source of data on remote NT communities.

BushTel publishes detailed community profiles, news and events along with advice on remote travel and engagement with communities to assist visitors and businesses.

The NT Government will enhance BushTel and make it easier for users to find the information they need online.

Benefits

Enhancements to BushTel will help government and non-government organisations deliver services to over 700 remote Aboriginal communities.

2019 progress update

Recent additions to the BushTel site including the display of all visiting medical services to remote communities, a community directory which provides contact details of Organisations with a shopfront as well as contact details to Community Development Officers for each location.

Further enhancements to the BushTel site are currently being assessed through a BushTel Enhancement Project which looks to continue the development of the site to ensure greater knowledge sharing and coordination of remote information.

Initiative

Improving resilience of government's ICT network and service delivery through a dual data centre mode.

Overview

Government's data centre refresh program will improve ICT network resilience and reduce business risks.

Government has a data centre refresh program underway that will result in two contemporary data centres – a new primary facility and a local back-up data centre.

Benefits

This initiative is part of a multi-year works program and will procure space in an industry-standard commercial data centre facility in Darwin to meet back-up data management needs. The project will move into the commissioning phase in 2019.

Relocating from the Chan Building will enable better use of this central site as part of Darwin CBD revitalisation plans. It will locate critical data centre operations in more suitable secure sites.

2019 progress update

A contract has been awarded for backup data centre services with the transfer of secondary computing requirements to be completed by mid 2020. The dual data centre model will provide redundancy for critical systems and enhance data backup services.

Initiative

Improved public safety through network of high definition CCTV devices.

Overview

The NT Government has established an extensive CCTV network of 295 fixed and 20 mobile cameras across urban locations including Darwin, Parap and Casuarina over recent years.

The cameras are fitted with speakers to deliver audio messages and warnings where needed.

Benefits

CCTV is well known to provide a deterrent to crime and can assist to capture reliable evidence for some crimes.

The network of CCTV cameras provides safety benefits for the community and local businesses.

Initiative

Improved reporting for NT Health services through redevelopment of Health's Enterprise Data Warehouse.

Overview

The project will:

• replace the department's aging toolsets and data management infrastructure with contemporary technologies
• incorporate continuous development of new reports and data submissions and
• integrate with the new systems being implemented through the Core Clinical Systems Renewal Program.

Benefits

The redeveloped Enterprise Data Warehouse will enable more effective reporting on health services to the NT and Australian governments, key performance indicators for government and hospitals and provide valuable insights to hospitals and clinics on service activity and funding.

Initiative

Develop a system that provides future travel information for NT Government staff to ensure coordination and awareness of the purpose and mode of travel to remote communities.

Overview

With this system government staff will for the first time be able to identify where there are cross overs in effort, reduce unnecessary travel and improve coordination and engagement with remote communities.

Benefits

Budget savings through improved co-ordination of travel and effort while also reducing unnecessary engagement with remote Aboriginal communities and the potential of linking into BushTel to display future travel to interested stakeholders including community members.

Initiative

Increase NT Government's cyber security capacity and capability to better protect systems and data from cyber-attacks.

Overview

The cyber security threat landscape is escalating, with the volume and sophistication of cyber threats growing exponentially.

The NT is not immune from cyber-attack and preparation is essential. The NT Government's cyber security capability is being improved to strengthen cyber security controls, incident detection and response measures and analytical capacity.

Planning will commence for a cyber security operations centre to improve responsiveness.

Benefits

NT Government's extensive datasets and thousands of systems and devices will be better protected, providing greater security of Territorians' data and enabling government services to continue uninterrupted.

While it is not possible to be completely protected and some attacks will succeed, early detection and prompt action can minimise damage.

Stopping or reducing the impact of cyber-attacks avoids substantial rectification costs and limits the impact on the community and business.

2019 progress update

New technology measures are being implemented to restrict the use of unapproved software on government computers. Work to increase awareness of cyber security risks is being progressed, with additional effort and resources being applied to enhance cyber security response capabilities.

Initiative

Increase the number of electric vehicles in the NT Government fleet and install dedicated charging stations in some buildings.

Overview

As more models become available, and the capital costs decline, it is planned to increase the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in the NT Government fleet.

Dedicated charging stations will be provided at government offices to support electric and hybrid vehicles, commencing with installations at the Charles Darwin Centre and Manunda Place.

Benefits

Increasing the use of electric and hybrid vehicles will enable an assessment of their effectiveness in a range of vehicle use scenarios and a comparison of their whole of life costs compared to conventionally fuelled vehicles.

Initiative

Plan to increase the number of high definition CCTV devices to increase public safety.

Overview

CCTV is used extensively in many cities as an effective deterrent to criminal or anti-social behaviour and enables prompt policing action.

The NT Government will roll out a further 26 CCTV cameras costing $1.4 million in Nightcliff, Palmerston and Tennant Creek. The cameras are fitted with speakers to deliver audio messages and warnings where needed.

Local government bodies, including the City of Darwin as part of the Switching on Darwin project, are looking to proactively strengthen and supplement the existing security network capacity by establishing CCTV devices in their local areas.

Benefits

CCTV is well known to provide a deterrent to crime and can assist to capture reliable evidence for some crimes.

The opportunity to expand the number of CCTV cameras and therefore the areas covered by this technology will benefit businesses, the community and government.

This positive and collaborative approach between governments will deliver better community outcomes.

2019 progress update

There has been 26 high definition CCTV installed at the Nightcliff Shopping Village, Paterson Street Tennant Creek and the Bakewell shopping centre in Palmerston. A further 138 high definition CCTV cameras have also been installed in the Darwin CBD by the City of Darwin in consultation with NT Police.

Initiative

Conduct an independent review of government ICT procurement.

Overview

Conduct an independent review of government ICT procurement activity to advise ways to increase the benefits to local industry and agencies.

Benefits

The review will increase confidence that government ICT procurement processes deliver value for the Territory and maximise the opportunities to enhance the capability and growth of local ICT businesses.

Initiative

Industry Buildskills Program (IBP) is funded by the NT Government to support the upskilling and reskilling of existing workers in occupations and/or industry sectors affected by significant change.

Overview

Up to 50 ICT professionals from the NT are going through the program, gaining Advanced Diplomas in either ICT Project Management or ICT Business Systems Analysis.

Benefits

This program will upskill existing ICT workers.

These skills are both listed on the NT Skilled Occupation Priority List, and there are currently occupational shortages, so this program will fill those shortages.

Initiative

Ingenious iVet – the virtual veterinary clinic. iVet was started by local vet Dr Sue Samuelsson to help her Arnhem Land clients. It is a world first virtual veterinary clinic, providing animal care for those unable to get to a traditional clinic.

Overview

iVet is now a tele-vet model that is being applied internationally using digital technology for online virtual animal consultations.

Benefits

iVet enables people who cannot access traditional vet services due to distance, disability or illness to get the help they need for their animals. This reduces travel costs and distress for both the animals and their owners.

Initiative

Prepare to install a modern ambient sound system in the Darwin CBD through the Smart Cities initiative.

Overview

The City of Darwin is looking to install a central sound system in the Smith Street Mall to introduce new wi-fi based audio capabilities that will support performances and events.

The City of Darwin will be actively applying digital technology to deliver a number of community improvement initiatives.

Benefits

The sound system will be available to provide support for community events without requiring separate and costly audio installations for each event.

The use of music and sounds will improve city ambience and reduce loiterers.

2019 progress update

A modern ambient sound system has been installed in the Mall and it is planned to extend the system to other areas such as Bicentennial Park in 2020.

Initiative

Install and commission an undersea fibre optic cable connecting the Tiwi Islands to the national telecommunications network.

Overview

The NT Government is providing Vocus with grant funding of $8.5 million over three years to deliver an undersea fibre optic cable connecting the Tiwi Islands to the national telecommunications network.

This initiative will provide high quality and high capacity optic fibre telecommunications backbone infrastructure to the Tiwi Islands.

Benefits

This new cable will improve the reliability and capacity of telecommunications for residents and businesses on the Tiwi Islands. This will help to limit the service disruptions in poor weather that occur now and deliver new broadband internet opportunities.

Tiwi Islands' residents and businesses will benefit from having modern communications to the same standard as other parts of Australia.

Further work can then be undertaken to improve connections on the Islands from the cable backbone to premises.

Initiative

Install smart street lighting to improve community safety and reduce energy consumption in Darwin as part of Switching on Darwin project.

Overview

The City of Darwin, through the Switching On Darwin project, will establish smart street lights in the Darwin CBD. This includes replacing existing road lighting and equipment, and providing additional lighting and ancillary equipment, such as smart control nodes, base stations and gateways.

The street lights will turn on, adjust brightness levels and turn off when required, based on rules that can be set up and changed to suit needs identified by city planners and NT Police.

Benefits

This initiative will make the city precinct safer, reduce council's power consumption and introduce dynamic lighting within the boundaries of the city.

This will confirm and recognise Darwin as a modern and digitally capable capital city.

2019 progress update

The City of Darwin has installed 910 smart street lights to enhance community safety, reduce energy consumption and provide dynamic lighting to the boundaries of CBD.

Testing and commissioning of the integration of street and park lighting has commenced and is due for completion in December 2019.

Initiative

Pilot of an integrated case management system for NT courts and tribunals.

Overview

A project is underway to implement an integrated digital case management system for NT courts and tribunals.

The first phase involved piloting the new solution with high volume activities in the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

This proof of concept phase was successful and further project implementation phases are now being planned.

Benefits

When fully implemented, NT tribunal matters and court cases will be digitally managed. This will greatly improve capacity to record, track and consider substantial volumes of legal documentation.

Initiative

Interactive digital skills development programs sparking students' interest across the Territory.

Overview

Digital skills development programs are engaging and upskilling students across the Territory. The programs include:

• Skills 2021 – showcasing cutting-edge technology, 3D design, robotics, gaming and coding to school students
• RoboCup Junior – around 500 Darwin primary school students and over 90 students from town camps near Alice Springs have recently participated in international RoboCup competitions programming robots to dance, rescue or play soccer
• CDU Code Fair – challenged university students to apply digital technology to new apps, designs and products; solve problems innovatively; and linked students with employers.

Benefits

Children are engaged and inspired to take up STEAM subjects through creating technology, including games and robotics. Students build readiness for digital job opportunities, and skills needed to be successful in the 21st century.

Digital skills are a foundation for future digital advancement, both personally and as a community. Digital skills are more than coding, and extend to critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and communication.

The programs provide exposure to new technology and fun hands-on learning opportunities for children, youth  and mature students.

Initiative

Introduce a Digital Services Policy for government ensuring NT Government's digital services are customer focused, consistent and convenient.

Overview

The Digital Services Policy, which is expected to be issued in the third quarter of 2018, will set out government's expectations for agency development of digital services. Consumer needs will be at the centre, with a consistent, single government model that reuses data where appropriate and is designed for easy mobile access.

Benefits

NT Government digital solutions and services will place Territorians at the centre of service delivery.

Moving government transaction services online will provide benefits to both citizens and government. These include better quality services, convenient access anywhere at any time, lower costs, faster delivery and a consistent standard.

2019 progress update

The Digital Services Policy specifying service design principles and solution development protocols for NT Government agencies to provide smart, secure and accessible people-focused digital services was published September 2018.

The Digital Service Standard specifying the accountability requirements and controls to apply the Digital Services Policy was adopted in February 2019.

Initiative

Introduce a portal for businesses to complete transactions online, including vehicle registrations and transfers, which currently require attendance at the Motor Vehicle Registry.

Overview

Over 7,000 Territory businesses complete approximately 73,000 vehicle registration transactions per annum at Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) offices.

This initiative will see the introduction of a secure online self-service vehicle registration facility that is responsive to business and commercial customers' needs, thereby removing the requirement to attend in-person at MVR.

Benefits

When operational, the online portal will reduce regulatory burden on Territory businesses through a secure digital service channel that is accessible anytime of the day from anywhere in the NT with internet connectivity.

Initiative

Investigate education programs that use digital technology to monitor and reduce consumption of natural resources to minimise impact on the environment and provide for sustainable services into the future.

Overview

Long term sustainability for the Territory requires better use of available natural resources.

Water consumption in the NT is higher than the national average and needs to be managed at sustainable levels.

There are opportunities to reduce usage through smart meters in remote communities and other digital technology applications.

Benefits

Advances in digital technology offer opportunities to find ways to improve public education and lead to sustainable power and water resource use.

An informed public that has the right knowledge and digital tools will be well positioned to take personal action.

2019 progress update

Living Water Smart program continues to deliver water savings initiatives through digital platforms such as the Living Water Smart Portal and education sessions held across schools in Darwin.

Further to this, a digital leak detection survey is performed when customers register to enter the program, the same survey has been used when interacting with schools for them to better manage water consumption , but also ensures that students are aware of their impact they have on Darwin's water supply.

Initiative

Investigate refresh options for the NT Government's main website, nt.gov.au, with a focus on improving user experience.

Overview

The NT Government established a central website (nt.gov.au) in 2015-16 to make it easier for people to find government information.

The site requires improvement to make navigation easier, update the central search engine and enhance mobile compatibility.

Design and engagement work will progress in 2018-19 to confirm user expectations and identify and scope requirements in detail.

Benefits

This website is government's main presentation to the online world and needs to positively reflect the NT in terms of presence, accessibility and content.

Site users will benefit from being able to quickly access reliable and complete information.

2019 progress update

The nt.gov.au website has been refreshed with a focus on improving usability and user experience. Ongoing enhancements and new features will continue to be implemented on the site.

Initiative

Investigate ways to deliver free and open access data from the future City of Darwin smart city platform.

Overview

Once the City of Darwin's smart city platform is operational, the community and businesses will be able to use open data from the platform to create new digital apps.

The City of Darwin has multiple datasets, providing information across a range of activities that could be used creatively by digital innovators to develop new tools for Darwin residents and visitors.

Benefits

New digital services can create a modern and dynamic experience for workers, residents and visitors in the CBD. This will help position Darwin as a contemporary and vibrant capital city.

Digital entrepreneurs will have opportunity to grow their businesses and start new ventures, creating innovative consumer apps and digital services.

2019 progress update

An Open Data platform has been implemented and the building and publishing of data sets is in progress. Publication of the first group of data sets is expected to be completed in August 2019.

Further data sets will be published as they become available.

Initiative

Launch GrantsNT, a contemporary digital and mobile solution for applying for, acquitting and managing government grants.

Overview

The NT Government has a wide range of grants programs across many community and business sectors, providing around $1 billion in grants each year.

GrantsNT is a modern digital solution that is being co-designed with input from local Non Government Organisations (NGOs). The use of an online portal will make it easier for community groups to apply, receive and acquit their grants.

GrantsNT will be rolled out in stages starting in Q1 2018-19 with agencies determining the timing and sequencing of grant types coming onto the system. This is a multi-year work program that is due to complete in 2019.

Benefits

Grant application and acquittal processes will be digital and streamlined, making it much easier for NGOs, community members and businesses to receive and manage their NT Government grant funding.

Grant applicants, recipients and government will all benefit from better information that is more accessible and traceable, which will improve processes to seek and provide grants.

This project is engaging Territory enterprises, with nine local ICT professionals working to deliver the digital solution and growing local digital skills development.

2019 progress update

GrantsNT was launched in November 2018 and positions the Northern Territory as the only Australian jurisdiction with an end-to-end digital solution to manage government grants.

It is being implemented through a staged approach by agencies with roll-outs aligned with the timing of NT Government agency grant programs.

View a video showcasing this initiative of the Digital Territory Strategy.

Initiative

Leading renewable energy research and development projects are advancing local knowledge.

Overview

A range of Territory renewable energy research and development projects have been progressed to build local knowledge and explore opportunities, including:

• cost-effective maintenance of remote hybrid mini-grid systems (Charles Darwin University)
• modelling future solar energy production from households and businesses in the greater Darwin area (Charles Darwin University)
• creating an investment grade renewable resource database to facilitate scaling of renewables in the NT (CfAT)
• researching bioenergy for PV hybrid electricity generation (Charles Darwin University).

Benefits

The projects represent significant research into effective ways to share data and use eco-friendly digital technologies to support innovation that can lead to commercial opportunities for local business.

The research effectively uses digital technology in capturing and analysing data which will assist in finding ways to develop sustainable energy solutions for the NT. There is potential to gain long term environmental and economic benefits from the research outcomes.

Initiative

Showcasing Territory talent, the LightSPEE3D printer is a world-first commercial 3D printer that was co-invented in the Territory.

Overview

The LightSPEE3D forms the centrepiece of a new industrial research hub based at Charles Darwin University (CDU). The hub was facilitated through a partnership between the NT Government, CDU and the Singapore University of Technology and Design.

Benefits

Local digital innovators will benefit from the CDU research hub and partnering with internationally recognised research bodies to increase capability in the NT. Local businesses will have access to advanced manufacturing technology to reduce production time and costs.

Initiative

Local research putting NT mango data on the national ''Australian Tree Crop Rapid Response Map'.

Overview

A team of local mango growers and NT Government researchers has captured valuable crop mapping data using remote sensing equipment, and incorporated the data into the national 'Australian Tree Crop Rapid Response Map'.

Benefits

Better crop data, including on-the-ground research, measurement and data validation regarding mango production variability, is helping growers be responsive sustain results.

Initiative

Provide mobile access to client information for Territory Families field-based staff.

Overview

Deployment of 320 tablets and smartphones has been completed for Child Protection Frontline staff to access information about clients in the field.

Progressing planning of tables and smartphones to Youth Justice staff by September.

Development of digital forms so staff can enter information on their devices will be piloted when an all of government digital forms solution is implemented.

Benefits

Portable access will ensure child protection and youth justice staff have immediate access to client information when are where they need it.

Initiative

Horticulture researchers are transitioning from paper based forms to mobile phones and tablet devices to enhance the collection of plant growth measurements.

This data will assist the horticulture industry to improve crop results as part of a focus on agtech.

Overview

Horticulture researchers are transitioning from paper based forms to mobile phones and tablet devices to collect plant growth measurements. This data is automatically uploaded to the Intranet when the mobile device comes within range of the NT Government's Wi-Fi network.

The Department of Primary Industry and Resources is extending the use of the service from internal research teams to start working with industry colleagues on joint projects to understand plant production and protection best practice.

Benefits

Mobile data collection saves significant time for data entry and is useful for research where repeated measurement of the same unit is required over time, for example, individual mango flower terminals or fruit as they mature, or grapes as they develop on the vines.

Initiative

Mobile technology enabling faster and better infrastructure asset data collection.

Overview

The NT Government's ASNEX solution uses contemporary mobile technologies for better asset management, giving field-based staff and contractors access to infrastructure data, digital images and spatial tools.

Benefits

This initiative improves asset planning capability and decision making with the ability to respond quickly to situations in the field, increases productivity, and reduces the effort to effectively manage government's infrastructure assets.

The mobility solution, in partnership with Global GBM, won a national Geospatial Information and Technology Excellence Award for business intelligence in 2016 and the ASNEX program picked up the NT Public Sector Excellence Award for Innovation in the same year.

Initiative

Modernise government radio transmission infrastructure to the 400MHz spectrum, providing emergency and other frontline services with a digital radio network.

Overview

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is requiring changes in use of radio spectrum that will drive upgrades of radio infrastructure and equipment for core government services, including police, and parks and wildlife rangers.

This is a multi-year work program that is due to be completed by 2019.

Benefits

NT Government frontline services in the bush will be connected via a digital radio network to new 400MHz spectrum meeting ACMA's requirements.

Essential radio infrastructure will be upgraded and radio communications will be improved.

The project provides a digital foundation that ensures the NT Government is well positioned to maintain its radio network into the future.

2019 progress update

A 400 MHz digital radio network has been implemented across remote areas of the NT, to provide improved communications for police, emergency services and parks rangers.

Initiative

Monitor development of digital identification technology at the national level that will enable the government to verify Territorians' identities, expediting processing times and reducing the need for paper-based proof of identity.

Overview

The move to digital services and an increasingly online lifestyle means governments need to use digital technology to identify citizens instead of the traditional paper or card forms of ID. This has many benefits and some real challenges.

Work is progressing across Australia to establish effective ways to set up and manage digital identities, including data protection and administration costs.

The NT Government is monitoring developments and participating in discussions with a view to leveraging national solutions.

Benefits

Community expectations for digital identification are increasing as the use of mobile services grows.

Governments are moving to enable digital identities for citizens to make it easier for people to access services.

Some challenges will need to be overcome to deliver trusted and protected solutions, with the benefits including greater accessibility, increased personal security and lower costs.

2019 progress update

The NT Government is monitoring work being done in this area by the Australian Government and other jurisdictions through involvement in national groups such as the Australian Data and Digital Council, interjurisdictional CIO Forum and the Australian Government's Digital Identity Roundtable.

Initiative

Translate the official tourism website northernterritory.com into five international languages and develop ability to automatically translate content.

Overview

The official tourism website, https://northernterritory.com is being translated into five international languages including:

• French
• Italian
• German
• Japanese
• Chinese (traditional) and
• Chinese (simplified).

Tourism NT will develop an automated translation solution that will ensure that translations stay up to date when new content is created.

Benefits

Tourism is an important economic driver for the NT and a significant industry in regional areas. Publishing tourism information in multiple languages will make this NT tourism content accessible to non-English speakers.

Initiative

New contemporary Government Data Centre (GDC) ready to commission.

Overview

The NT Government is working on a data centre refresh program that is moving to a dual-site model for managing essential government data.

Establishing a new purpose designed government data centre is the first of three projects in the program. Following design and fitout of the GDC, the next project is to commission the new facility.

Benefits

A dual-site model substantially reduces risk to continuity of government services, digital systems and the enterprise ICT network by increasing capacity and resilience to manage a disaster event.

This initiative builds government's core digital foundations through ICT infrastructure, network and data storage in a modern, industry standard facility that will meet future needs.

Initiative

A new position for an associate professor in cyber security was created at Charles Darwin University in 2018, funded through a NT Government grant.

Overview

The position enables postgraduate courses in cyber security to be offered at the university, enhancing the NT's ability to participate in the cyber security industry.

Cyber security skills are in growing demand and this initiative will develop students for future jobs in this field.

Benefits

Specialist cyber skills, capabilities and knowledge can be developed locally through dedicated cyber security programs and qualifications that are now being offered.

The additional courses offered will benefit local students and potentially attract international students to the NT.

Initiative

Promote new pathways for the Master of Information Technology degrees, allowing graduates to enter with any bachelor degree.

Overview

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is modifying its three Master of Information Technology Degrees in Cyber Security, Software Engineering and Information Systems and Data Science to allow graduates to enter with any Bachelor degree, for example in business or arts.

Benefits

The new entry requirements will open up opportunities for graduates in other disciplines to gain post-graduate qualifications in information technology.

Initiative

Hold the Northern Territory Digital Excellence Awards 2019, which formally celebrates individuals and organisations that showcase and promote examples of digital excellence and innovation in the NT.

Overview

The Awards night is the NT's premier Information Communication and Technology (ICT) event of the year, created and supported by ICT peak bodies. A committee comprised of peak body representatives organise and manage the event. The concept of the awards is based on the peak bodies National Awards, with awards nominees from NT going through to nominations for National awards.

Benefits

Through the awards, NT's ICT sector will be recognised, rewarded and celebrated, which will further encourage innovation, excellence, and collaboration amongst the NT ICT sector.

The NT ICT industries capabilities will be promoted nationally and locally and the NT will be promoted as a destination for ICT careers and investment opportunities, and young people will be attracted to pursue ICT career pathways.

Initiative

NT Government digital apps and systems making data and services online and mobile.

Overview

The NT Government is putting more government data and services online. Information is being made more accessible on-the-go through digital apps for mobile devices. NT Government apps include:

• Road Report NT – up to date road conditions and obstructions, with the public able to advise road and traffic light faults
• My Rego – residents can check and manage their vehicle registration with the status of all NT registered vehicles available
• QTOL – information on NT Government quotations and tenders
• Field Guide NT Fauna – NT wildlife, descriptions, images and sounds
• ShopNT – advice on consumer rights, smart shopping and making a complaint about a retailer
• Fishing Mate – access to fishing rules, fish species, possession limits and restricted zones
• RentNT – advice on renting a property, responsibilities and assistance for disputes
• SecureNT – preparing for and getting through emergency situations in the NT with links to alerts and warnings
• NT Bus Tracker – bus stops, bus routes and tracking bus locations
• InvoiceNTG – suppliers can lodge and track their invoices awaiting payment.

Benefits

Business and the community can access government information and services at any time and place. Users are no longer restricted to office hours or inconvenienced by the need to come into a government office.

This reduces costs for service users, improves service quality and availability, and helps users to keep track of their transactions and be more in control.

In turn, government benefits from reductions in phone calls, correspondence and over the counter transactions, which cost more than online alternatives.

Initiative

Finalise the relocation of the NT Government data centre from the Chan building to the Millner data centre and a backup data centre.

Overview

The new government data centre in Millner has been commissioned and services are being progressively transitioned from the Chan data centre.

A contract has been awarded for backup data centre, services with the transfer of secondary computing requirements to this facility scheduled to be completed by mid 2020.

Benefits

This program will greatly reduce government's service continuity risk and set strong foundations for effective data management and future digital advances.

Relocation will enable the Chan building site to be repurposed and provide better use of this CBD site.

Initiative

Participate in the 'NT Preschool STEM Games' supporting preschool teachers to deliver STEM-based learning in a fun and engaging way.

Overview

In partnership with the University of Melbourne, the NT 'Preschool STEM Games' support preschool teachers to deliver STEM-based learning in a fun and engaging way. Identified as part of the 'STEM in the Territory Strategy', these games are designed to develop children's transferable, STEM thinking skills using everyday materials.

Benefits

The games support the building of curiosity for science in early childhood learning and provide opportunities for children to explore these concepts in line with their particular interests.

The games will assist to provide the foundational skills for STEM studies in later years of schooling.

Initiative

Commence the next round for the NTG/Telstra remote telecommunications Co-Investment program.

Overview

The next round of the Co-Investment program will invest $24 million over four years to expand remote telecommunications services to more remote communities in the NT.

Benefits

This program will put mobile phone and broadband services into more remote communities, along major transport corridors and into key tourism destinations.

This will strengthen the foundations for all other digital initiatives and enable digital inclusion, with more Territorians able to access the communications services already available to most other Australians.

This investment will also improve traveller safety and enhance visitor experiences to grow the tourism industry.

Initiative

Transition from paper to online testing for the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests and the South Australia Certificate of Education (SACE) exams taken by senior secondary students.

Overview

National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a national test taken by eligible students annually by students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

The South Australia Certificate of Education (SACE) exams are taken by Senior Secondary students in their final years of schooling.

Both test programs are transitioning from paper to online testing.

Benefits

These tests provide school and student results that allow for measurement of performance against national peers. This provides school systems and governments valuable data to support quality teaching and learning and school improvement.

Online assessment enables reduced time between testing and reporting, and more engaging test design through innovative use of technology.

NAPLAN Online is a tailored test which adapts to student responses, presenting students with questions that may be more or less difficult, resulting in better assessment and more precise results.

SACE Online assessments will increase accessibility for students and the efficiency of the marking and resulting process.

Initiative

Develop an online portal for requests for quotations and notification of awarded work for services procured under government's ICT Specialist Services Contract.

Overview

An online portal is being developed to manage the procurement of agency work requests under the ICT Specialist Services panel contract online and with improved visibility.

The portal will allow the public and panel members to view the list of businesses on the panel, services being sought and work awarded, as well as enabling contractors to lodge their bids online.

Should this first panel contract use be successful, it is expected that the online portal technology model will be adopted for many of the NT Government's panel contracts.

Benefits

The portal will provide a more modern, efficient and transparent way for government to procure ICT specialist services.

For businesses on the panel, the portal will provide a simpler way to received work requests and submit their responses to these requests.

Initiative

Online portal that enables skilled migrant applications to be lodged and managed digitally.

Overview

The portal makes it easier and faster for skilled migrants to apply for NT Government nomination for a general skilled migration visa in skills shortage areas.

Benefits

Bringing more highly skilled people to the NT will grow the Territory's population and economy. This initiative will help to increase the local skills base.

Initiative

Participate in the Australian Cyber Security Centre national cyber security exercises.

Overview

The NT will participate in national cyber security exercises to test incident response and inter-jurisdictional arrangements under Australia's Cyber Incident Management Arrangements.

The program uses exercises and other readiness activities to practice strategic decision-making, operational and technical capabilities, strategic engagement and communications required to effectively respond to cyber security incidents.

Benefits

The exercises ensure NT Government incident response plans are regularly reviewed and tested to ensure an effective response and recovery following a cyber incident.

Initiative

Progress planning and design of a digital communications network in the Darwin CBD.

Overview

A high capacity city-wide digital communications network will facilitate new digital developments and enhance smart city technology initiatives that form the Switching on Darwin project. This network will also support CCTV, red light cameras, facial recognition technology and extended wi-fi coverage.

Benefits

The digital communications network will ensure the Switching on Darwin project is scalable and can evolve as city needs change.

Establishing a high capacity network will also allow new digital opportunities to be identified, such as enabling connectivity to CBD businesses.

It will position the Territory as an attractive, secure and scalable location for corporations to locate their offices with direct connectivity into south-east Asia.

2019 progress update

The City of Darwin has deployed a multi-tiered communications network allowing the council to plug in multiple smart technologies to meet the emerging needs of the council and the community.

The network provides:

• high bandwidth connections for High Definition CCTV devices and Wi-Fi access points
• medium bandwidth connections for public lighting controls, sensors and audio speaker systems for broadcasting ambient music and
• low bandwidth connections for smart parking monitors and the capture, transmission and analysis of an array of data points.

Initiative

Plan an NT Government open data portal that makes government datasets available to the community online through a single, user friendly portal.

Overview

Scope an NT Government open data portal for publishing high value government datasets in a central location. This will make data easily accessible for Territorians, researchers and businesses to use to innovate and create new business opportunities.

There are around 500 NT Government datasets already publicly available, although they are in different locations and of varying quality.

Preparatory work will progress over 2018-19 to register datasets and enable government agencies to be ready for the portal which is scheduled for 2020.

Benefits

An open data portal will improve accountability and facilitate digital innovation by allowing digital creators to freely use government data for new apps and digital services.

The portal will make it easier for interested users to find and access NT Government data free of charge.

Government will release an open data policy before establishing a central portal to set the parameters for agencies and inform data users.

2019 progress update

The NT Government Open Data Portal was launched on 24 May 2019, earlier than scheduled.

At its launch the portal had 250 datasets published, allowing industry and the community to analyse non-sensitive data and join it with other data sources to gain new insights and enhance services. Datasets will continue to be added as they become available for publication from agencies.

Initiative

Plan approaches with Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver cyber security VET courses in the NT to increase the number of cyber skilled workers.

Overview

The expected growth in cyber security jobs requires fresh approaches to meet demand. This includes helping people from various backgrounds transition into the industry.

This initiative will examine ways to build cyber security VET training programs; either through new dedicated cyber security VET certificates or expanding/modifying the training content for existing certificates.

Benefits

VET training will provide a pathway for entry into the cyber security industry that would not be feasible through only higher education entry points.

This will allow more trained and knowledgeable people to fill the expected future cyber security jobs and will grow the digital workforce.

2019 progress update

CDU has secured funding for a VET cyber security laboratory and plans to introduce a Certificate IV in Cyber Security in 2020 using a national course developed in collaboration with key industry sectors.

Initiative

Plan the establishment of a Cyber Security Operations Centre to increase government's capability to detect, analyse and respond to cyber security incidents, in conjunction with service providers and external agencies.

Overview

The Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC) will house the cyber security team responsible for monitoring and analysing the NT Government's networks hardware and systems on an ongoing basis using a combination of technology solutions and a strong set of operational processes.

CSOC staff will work closely with service providers, suppliers and incident response teams to ensure cyber security issues are addressed quickly upon discovery.

Benefits

The CSOC will improve cyber security incident detection through continuous monitoring and analysis of data activity.

By analysing this activity across the NT Government's networks, computers, servers, and databases around the clock, the CSOC will ensure timely detection and response of cyber security incidents.

Initiative

Plan the implementation of SerPro, a digital transformation program to support delivery of frontline police services.

Overview

SerPro is a multi-year digital transformation program that will deliver a contemporary, integrated digital policing solution replacing NT Police's aging legacy system.

Following completion of the procurement phase in 2017-18, the focus for SerPro in 2018-19 moves to implementation planning and solution design.

As with other major digital programs, locally based ICT professionals will be sourced from Territory enterprises wherever feasible to complete this program.

Benefits

SerPro will support police in providing essential frontline law and order services to the Territory community.

Through integration, mobile access and expanded digital functionality, SerPro will make more information available to police in the field, reduce manual data input and automate data linkages. This will enhance productivity and assist police, leading to improved public safety.

Local ICT industry jobs will increase through use of ICT professionals over the program. This will provide upskilling opportunities to grow capability and economic value for the industry and the NT.

2019 progress update

Detailed implementation planning for the SerPro system was completed in January 2019 and the build phase is underway through a series of defined functional blocks.

Work to align SerPro with the Veritas digital courts program in the Department of Attorney-General and Justice has commenced.

Initiative

Prepare an approach for developing cyber security awareness programs designed to support vulnerable and digitally disadvantaged Territorians.

Overview

Cyber criminals are known to target vulnerable people. Government will work with the community sector to find effective ways to inform and assist digitally disadvantaged Territorians to be better protected online.

Community groups will be engaged to provide a better understanding of the cyber needs and effective learning approaches for this cohort. Community input into the development of cyber security resources such as advice and awareness education will be sought.

Development of cyber security programs that are suited to helping digitally vulnerable Territorians will be considered after this engagement stage.

Benefits

It is important that all Territorians can access support and guidance to help them remain active and protected online.

The privacy and finances of vulnerable people will be better safe-guarded, providing less opportunity for cyber criminals.

2019 progress update

Cyber security awareness programs were delivered to Senior Territorians for the first time as part of Cyber Security Awareness month in October 2018. Opportunities to develop programs for other vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are being investigated for the 2019 Cyber Security Awareness Program.

Initiative

Procure a new digital payments solution, NTGPay, to receive and process invoices from NT Government suppliers.

Overview

A new digital payments solution will be procured to replace the existing Electronic Invoice Management System which is approaching end of life.

The system, to be called NTGPay, will provide a contemporary procure-to-pay service that enables electronic invoicing by suppliers through electronic data interchange between supplier billing systems and NTGPay.

Benefits

NTGPay will ensure the payments to suppliers are made within 14 business days for invoices under $1 million to improve the cash flow for small to medium business.

Initiative

Online licensing system that enables professions and industries requiring a license to trade can now lodge and manage applications digitally.

Overview

Professions and industries that need a license to trade can submit and manage their license applications online.

Growth in the number of services available online is being driven by the government's movement to a digital first approach.

Benefits

People can lodge license applications online at any time, increasing convenience and reducing their costs.

A streamlined application and approval process boosts productivity and provides better tracking for government.

Initiative

Progress implementation of digital court case management system allowing electronic lodgement of documents and briefs.

Overview

Implement case management system for civil matters before the courts following a pilot in the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NT CAT).

Electronic lodgement of documents and briefs for NT CAT was implemented in late 2019 and will be extended to civil matters in 2020.

Benefits

Court case management system provides a digital system to enhance management of the end-to-end, courts and justice, modernize and automate processes and allow courts to operate more efficiently.

Initiative

Qualifying data scientists in the NT through Charles Darwin University (CDU) masters degree program.

Overview

Data scientists are in high demand in Australia. Local education options in this field have grown with the introduction of masters, graduate diploma and certificate programs in data science at CDU.

These new courses expand the suite of ICT qualifications available locally. CDU aims to grow the program to 36 students over four years.

Benefits

A well regarded data science program will enable CDU to attract more students, both local and international students that bring revenue to the NT.

Strengthening local ICT capability by developing qualified data scientists will enable value-add data analytics and high-end research to be conducted in the NT.

Initiative

Transforming availability and application of data to improve student outcomes from the classroom to the boardroom.

Overview

Use of quality, relevant data is essential to informed decision making for the benefit of every student across the Territory.

The program of work invests $7 million in expanding the availability of quality data and information and facilitating transformation of the way this is used for the benefit of students across the Territory.

This program prepares the department for the changing digital environment of Open Data and strengthening of the knowledge economy.

Benefits

Decisions in all areas of the organisation, from the classroom to the boardroom, will be supported and based on strong evidence and information.

This is essential to ensure the right decisions are made to engage students, grow the student outcomes and achieve school and system improvements.

Initiative

Identify and consider ways to rationalise the number of bespoke or standalone ICT systems used across government as recommended in 'A plan for budget repair – final report'.

Overview

The ICT system stocktake will identify the range of agency systems and inform consideration of standalone agency systems that perform similar functions and should be rationalised.

Bespoke systems will also be carefully considered to assess their ongoing viability and need comparative to any commercial-off-the-shelf alternatives.

Benefits

This rationalisation initiative will, over time, deliver efficiencies through economies of scale and standardisation.

Initiative

Real time petrol price information available to Territorians through the MyFuelNT solution.

Overview

The MyFuelNT solution, launched in November 2017 provides real-time fuel price information to help improve competition in the retail fuel market across the NT.

All NT fuel retailers provide their current fuel prices to MyFuelNT via a simple online portal which uses an application programming interface for retailers.

MyFuelNT aligns with the ACCC's recommendations regarding fuel pricing in the NT.

Benefits

Consumers have the ability to easily make more informed fuel purchase decisions and reduce costs.

New digital business opportunities can be created as the fuel price data is open for innovators to develop new or linked apps.

Initiative

Develop a Remote Areas Issues and Engagement System (RAISE) to capture and respond to remote community issues and questions.

Overview

The RAISE system will enable more effective and timely responses to issues and requests relating to remote communities by providing a common point to capture, assess, assign and resolve these matters.

Benefits

A more co-ordinated approach across government to resolving requests and issues raised by communities.

Initiative

The Centre for Appropriate Technology (CfAT) in Alice Springs has created a simple mobile phone hotspot that extends mobile phone signal for up to 100 kilometres, helping people in very remote locations make calls.

Overview

The hotspots are constructed by CfAT's Aboriginal workforce in Alice Springs. They are rugged with no moving parts and use no power, making them ideal for the Territory's harsh conditions. CfAT is patenting this unique product and pursuing international markets.

Benefits

Through a grant from the NT Government CfAT has built and installed 27 hotspots across the Territory to provide vital communication links for residents and visitors.

View a video showcasing this initiative of the Digital Territory Strategy.

Initiative

Investigate the potential for birthing sensors to alert when calving has occurred and tag calves with digital sensors that allow researchers to identify calf movements and mortality as an agtech initiative to help the NT pastoral industry.

Overview

Researchers investigating the causes of calf mortality are studying the potential of using birthing sensors that send a signal alerting them calving has occurred and also tagging calves with movement sensors and tracking devices to detect calf movement and mortality.

For the most part, the system developed and used by the University of Florida researchers will be transferable, although some modifications will be required due to the larger paddock size and reduced mobile phone coverage in the NT.

Benefits

A system that allows calving to be remotely monitored would assist in investigating the issues surrounding calf mortality, experienced by the NT pastoral industry and could potentially reduce calf loss, a major source of lost income for northern beef producers.

Initiative

Remote Telecommunications Ideas Exchange.

Overview

The first Remote Telecommunications Ideas Exchange held in 2018 marked a key first step to overcoming telecommunications challenges in the Territory.

The Territory's small population is highly dispersed over a large land mass with difficult terrain and weather conditions. Standard commercial telecommunications solutions are often not feasible or suitable for all communities, particularly in remote areas.

The Exchange highlighted the willingness of industry, government and community to work together to stimulate thinking and spark ideas about better communications solutions that will suite people living in remote pats of the NT.

Benefits

While the benefits from this initiative may take some time to be realised, the Ideas Exchange provided an important initial point of focus from which some inspirational ideas arose that hopefully can be progressed through design and developmental stages into the future.

This pursuit of solutions will be vital to achieving the end goal of providing remote Territorians with reliable, affordable and accessible telecommunications.

Initiative

Design a central digital solution for reporting and tracking the progress of key government initiatives, which will improve and streamline agency reporting requirements.

Overview

The NT Government has multiple strategies and plans underway that require agencies to achieve milestones and need periodic tracking and progress reporting.

Reporting and monitoring activities are usually coordinated by the lead agency.

This initiative will create a central digital solution that can track multiple work streams across agencies, match and reference data and automate updates to meet a range of reporting requirements.

Benefits

This initiative will improve productivity for agencies, enhance monitoring of government's major strategies and provide consistent and timely reporting to strengthen accountability.

2019 progress update

Digital solution designs based on an existing system were explored following a 'hackathon' event. A solution capable of effectively meeting all the requirements for a whole of government reporting system across all initiatives and programs is not presently available and would require substantial investment to establish.

This further project is on hold as it has a lower priority than other digital solution projects. The existing central system for monitoring and reporting on government commitments has been enhanced and upgraded to deliver initial reporting benefits.

Initiative

Examine the best way to publish information and reports for the community on onshore gas exploration activities.

Overview

Examine the best way to publish information and reports for the community on onshore gas exploration activities and the business systems required to support the process.

Benefits

Providing information on onshore gas exploration activities will reassure the community that the industry is operating in a well regulated and transparent manner.

Initiative

Revise the ICT Services Contracting Model used for sourcing NT Government ICT services to meet government needs and encourage local participation.

Overview

The NT Government has a central approach for sourcing ICT services that provides scale, consistency and efficient outcomes while encouraging and facilitating strong local industry involvement.

Following industry, supplier and agency consultation, a revised model was developed in 2016. Stakeholder engagement for the next iteration of the model will commence in 2018-19.

Benefits

This model is re-examined and refined regularly to ensure it is meeting government's needs, focusing on local industry participation and aligning with the digital business environment.

Government ICT Services contracts managed by DCIS provide substantial local employment benefits, with 255 locally-based workers delivering services to government and over 90% of contracts held by Territory enterprises.

2019 progress update

Extensive engagement with industry is conducted prior to the renewal of each major ICT services contract including workshops, release of concept papers and publication of draft tender scopes of work.

Enhancements adopted for the most recent contracts include simplified contract terms and conditions, streamlined contract management and compliance reporting, with an increased emphasis on service performance and less focus on resource levels for service-based contracts.

Initiative

Establish a commercial satellite ground station at CfAT Ltd Heath Road property, Alice Springs.

Overview

CfAT Satellite Enterprises Pty Ltd (CfATSE) will build and own a satellite ground-station comprising two 7.3m antennas.

Commercial operation will be licenced to Viasat Inc. The ground station will form part of Viasat's Real Time Earth business, a network of nine ground-stations globally, providing low latency earth observation satellite data.

Benefits

The development highlights the market potential of Central Australia for commercial enterprises of this nature and will deliver significant income to the Centre for Appropriate Technology, providing ongoing jobs for local Indigenous employees, and contracts for local businesses during the $800,000 facility construction phase.

Initiative

Deploy a self-service portal for exiting electricity customers to complete everyday transactions online.

Overview

A customer self-service portal is being deployed by Jacana Energy allowing existing customers to complete everyday transactions online including setting up payment plans, viewing and paying bills and requesting account finalisation.

Benefits

The portal will provide customers with more convenient options to manage their electricity services.

Initiative

Showcase the innovative products and services developed by local digital businesses to interstate and overseas markets.

Overview

Innovative local communication solutions, such as the Centre for Appropriate Technology's (CfAT) mobile hotspots, create opportunities to translate local solutions to interstate and overseas markets.

Industry is working to promote local digital and communications innovations nationally and internationally.

Government can assist industry by introducing NT businesses into broader networks.

Benefits

Opportunities to showcase the digital expertise, knowledge and talent of Territory businesses will highlight the Territory's ingenuity. This will have downstream impacts, including the potential to attract researchers, digital innovators and businesses to the NT.

Opening up new markets will help grow local businesses and increase digital jobs.

2019 progress update

The ICT Industry Association of the NT hosted an Innovation Symposium on 11 April 2019 where over 400 attendees heard from industry experts and local business people on how technology innovation helps business succeed.

The event also showcased innovative digital solutions, services and capabilities of local suppliers that can help solve real word challenges.

Initiative

Implement the Reel Scout system for Screen Territory, to showcase NT locations. NT screen businesses and practitioners also will be able to register and promote online their area of expertise and experience in a particular screen craft.

Overview

The Reel Scout system will promote NT screen practitioners, screen businesses and unique locations to the domestic and international marketplace to attract productions to film and post in the Territory.

This includes attracting large budget US studios films.

Benefits

Reel Scout will increase the opportunities for the local screen industry including increasing output of NT screen production and increasing job opportunities and revenue to the sector.

Initiative

Source a customer-centric digital forms platform that will enable Territorians to do more business with government online.

Overview

The NT Government has many hundreds of forms across agencies that are in varying stages of digitisation. To help agencies deliver online forms in a consistent way, a common digital platform is planned to be sourced and then made available to agencies in 2019.

Development work will align with the planned Digital Services Policy to make sure community needs are central to design and a consistent standard is applied.

Benefits

The intention is to have digital forms that are simple and intuitive for users, not just electronic copies of paper forms.

People who transact with the NT Government will benefit through online access to intuitive forms with the ability to transact digitally and conveniently.

2019 progress update

A pilot project is concluding that has evaluated a potential platform, including servers, databases, interfaces, security requirements, ICT network and data linkages. Five pilot digital forms are being tested to refine the design and confirm the suitability of the platform.

Initiative

Dedicated STEM and STEAM Centres of Excellence have been set up in Darwin High School, Centralian Senior College and Taminmin College. The Centres of Excellence are providing students with the skills needed to live and work in the 21st century.

Overview

The program will be supplemented with infrastructure works at Darwin High School in 2019.

Benefits

More and more jobs are including digital capability, requiring workers to have a new set of foundational skills in order to be competitive and succeed.

Territory schools are addressing this paradigm shift to STEAM skills for students and encouraging students to focus on digital careers.

The Centres of Excellence assist students to achieve their potential.

Initiative

Streamline online services for prisoners to maintain connections with families, enhance education opportunities and reduce travel costs for families.

Overview

This project will aim to enable these services to be available to prisoners 'In-Cell' decreasing prisoner movements, enhancing prisoner, staff and community safety.

Benefits

Improving online access will provide prisoners access to educational opportunities, maintain connections with families and reduce travel needs and costs for court appearances.

Initiative

Digitise commencements of new NT Government employees with the implementation of the myCommencement system.

Overview

The current processes for commencing new NT Government employees is labour intensive requiring multiple exchanges of paperwork with the new employee and manual entry of information into the personnel system.

The myCommencement system will automate these processes with online forms for the new employee to enter their details, verify their identity and sign their employment contract.

The system will also integrate with the personnel system to create the new employee record and calculate salary and tax amounts

Benefits

The system will reduce the effort and costs to commence new employees, reduce the time between the offer of employment and starting work and lower the risks of errors in data entry.

Initiative

Successful cattle monitoring trials using satellites.

Overview

Satellites are being used to remotely monitor and analyse performance of individual cattle and pastures in Northern Australia.

This has led to the development of commercial software that enhances cattle management.

Benefits

Cattle producers will be able to improve beef production results while using less labour and on-site work. This will lower costs and increase returns for producers.

Earlier detection of issues and targeted monitoring will lead to better cattle condition and management.

Initiative

Successful wi-fi trial on remote government research farm shows potential for outback businesses.

Overview

A collaboration between the NT Government and Agrinet has established widespread wi-fi coverage across the 3,100ha Douglas Daly Research Farm.

The technology, which gives farmers mobile phone coverage where previously there was none, is not reliant on a service provider and is suitable for farms with any type of internet connection.

Benefits

Widespread wi-fi coverage can mean better cattle management, increased worker safety, improved social connections, and the ability to keep pace with rapidly changing technology.

The wi-fi technology from the trial is designed to be installed and maintained by farmers, removing the need for telecommunications experts to travel and work on-site.

Initiative

Support local businesses to expand their digital capability, to use digital technology and transformation to improve their business, grow their workforce and be competitive.

Overview

The government's Business Upskills Workshops will expand their focus to include digital transformation to assist Territory businesses to be competitive.

Benefits

It is becoming essential for businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to have a digital presence and use digital technologies to improve and sustain their operations.

NT business owners can attend any of the free workshops to become more digitally confident and knowledgeable. The workshops will guide businesses with their digital journeys to facilitate business improvement.

2019 progress update

In 2018-19, five Upskills Workshops were held with 140 Attendees discussing advanced social media, marketing online and developing an effective website.

A recent external evaluation of the program showed that the most significant number of attendees across all Upskills workshops were those in Advanced Social Media and Developing an Effective Website.

2019-20 Upskills procurement is currently being developed based on attendee feedback, consultant feedback and the external review.

TreeTi Business Consulting is delivering the Australian Small Business Advisory Services – Digital Solutions. They are providing one-on-one advisory support, interactive webinars and workshops in four key areas of:

• website and online selling
• using small business software
• social media and digital marketing
• online security and data privacy.

Department of Trade, Business and Innovation has a cross-referral system in place with the company to support businesses on the digital journey.

Initiative

Support Territory industries to drive innovative developments through a Digital Partnerships grants program.

Overview

The $1 million Digital Partnerships grants program will provide matched funding to local ICT businesses to develop digital innovations in partnership with industry sectors in the NT that will build digital capacity, create jobs and boost economic growth for the Territory.

This two year program will encourage and enable innovative digital developments created locally to 'get off the ground', providing valuable assistance in the difficult early stages and a commitment to local ingenuity.

Benefits

The grants program will facilitate locally created digital developments happening in partnership with NT businesses across other industry sectors (such as construction, energy, tourism and retail) through the early development phases.

The program can provide an important boost for new ideas to gain traction and transition into commercial products or services.

2019 progress update

The Digital Partnerships grants program launched in January 2019, offers grants of between $50,000 to $200,000 on a co-contribution basis to support digital innovations developed by Territory businesses.

Government and Territory businesses are working together to build digital skills and capacity. Over 2019 and 2020, $1 million has been allocated for the program.

Applications for grants opened on 20 February 2019 using the GrantsNT system and six proposals were selected for with total grant funding of $901,000.

Initiative

Programs to prevent cyber bullying that are developed collaboratively between the NT and Commonwealth governments and provided to all schools. Schools also participate in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.

Overview

The digital world is providing a new arena for bullies to flourish, extending their reach and hiding their identities.

The NT Social and Emotional Learning curriculum provides children and youth:

• the skills to manage their online behaviour and impacts
• provide tips for avoiding bullies, reducing their influence and
• highlight the support that is available.

Benefits

This initiative will help to build the resilience of our children and reduce the opportunity for bullies.

2019 progress update

Through the delivery of both the NT Social Emotional Learning Curriculum and specific programs, such as the Dolly's Dream eSmart program, all Territory students are being supported to manage their online behaviour and its impacts.

In this reporting period, 50 NT Government schools participated in Dolly's Dream Connect workshops, bringing together teachers, students, parents and communities to improve cyber safety and tackle cyberbullying.

Initiative

Territory ingenuity shines through with EnviroSys.

Overview

EnviroSys is a niche environmental management software solution developed locally by SRA Information Technology.

The software is being used internationally by some of the world's largest resource companies. SRA has expanded its operations interstate and overseas.

Benefits

The company has been recognised for its innovative and dynamic approach to digital innovation through a string of industry awards, including most recently the 2017 Australian Export Environmental Solutions Award.

Initiative

Territory Intelligence and Coordination Centre operational.

Overview

A new Territory Intelligence and Coordination Centre establishes an integrated view of emergency situations and potential criminal activities.

The centre, which is led and controlled by NT Police, accesses real time data from multiple sources and involves resources from a range of agencies to improve community safety.

Benefits

A collaborative and early intervention approach to addressing crime and anti-social behaviour is being established accessing and cross referencing digital data and systems from across government, supported by key agency staff.

The centre makes effective use of government information to provide insights and assist in directing police resources.

Initiative

Improving the digital know-how of Territory seniors.

Overview

Digital programs specially designed for seniors have been successfully delivered through free workshops in the local library in Alice Springs teaching seniors how to use mobile devices and access services online.

Benefits

Digital knowledge benefits Territorians in all age groups to better manage everyday life and to be confident in an increasingly online world.

Seniors with limited exposure to digital technology can learn to master the basics, improve their digital literacy and be less vulnerable to cyber scams.

Initiative

Consider trialling effective and innovative location based solutions to reduce the digital divide through improving data accessibility in very remote communities.

Overview

This program will investigate technology and service models that could provide more effective and affordable data communications services for residents in very remote communities.

Trials will be considered to assess the performance, reliability and costs of potential solutions.

Benefits

This program will build on the other remote telecommunications projects to enable more Territorians in very remote communities to access the data communications services already available to most other Australians.

Initiative

Prepare to trial smart parking in Darwin using digital technology to advise travellers of available parking and provide electronic payment options.

Overview

Following the trial of smart parking infrastructure in high volume parking areas in the Darwin CBD, the City of Darwin will plan to expand this digital service within targeted areas of the CBD.

A smarter parking app, using a combination of sensors and linked video camera technology, is planned. This will update the existing app to let people digitally pay for city parking.

Benefits

The smarter parking app will improve driver experience when finding and paying for parking in the CBD.

Smart parking will deploy digital technology to help drivers navigate to available parking spaces that meet their needs and to pay digitally. This innovation will make parking more convenient and less hassle.

2019 progress update

Parking vacancy sensors and other car parking management technologies have been installed within the boundaries of the City of Darwin CBD. Testing and commissioning of the sensors and integration into the smart city platform is in progress and scheduled for completion in December 2019.

Initiative

Undertake a whole of government ICT systems stocktake to identify the functions of each system, technology base, life cycle phase and interdependencies with other systems as recommended in 'A plan for budget repair – final report'.

Overview

A stocktake of ICT systems currently used in NT Government agencies will commence in 2020.

This stocktake will provide a clearer picture of the government's ICT environment to then inform decisions regarding enterprise architecture, compatibility and future investment.

The existing Business Applications Register will be used as a data source for the stocktake.

Benefits

The information gathered in the stocktake will be used to develop roadmaps for major systems and identify opportunities to rationalise the number of systems across government.

The stocktake will also inform consideration of business priorities and investment needs.

Initiative

Undertake a feasibility assessment of options for developing a Northern Australian remote health, science and technology park in Darwin.

Overview

A future remote health, science and technology park for Northern Australia would provide a hub for scientists, health researchers, the health industry and academics to innovate and test emerging medical science technologies that are applicable to remote environments.

Procurement action for the initial feasibility assessment will be progressed in 2018-19.

Benefits

Bringing medical science researchers and innovators together with a dedicated focus on using technology to improve remote health outcomes has potential to deliver substantial benefits to over 30% of the Territory's population who live in regional and remote communities.

2019 progress update

The Department of Health commissioned a feasibility study to investigate the establishment of a hub for scientists, health researchers, the health industry and academics to innovate and test emerging technologies for the delivery of health care.

The feasibility study revealed strong support for such a hub and demonstrated positive outcomes and returns for the Territory.

The Department of Health is working closely with partners to form the governance of the hub and to initiate select projects.

Initiative

Upgrade and roll out free community wi-fi to 46 communities, increasing access to online services for remote Territorians.

Overview

The Community Internet Service project provides internet connectivity as a baseline public library service across the NT and will upgrade service speeds at 34 existing sites, taking advantage of new NBN satellite and ADSL internet plans.

This project will also implement wi-fi hotspots at 12 new remote community sites over 2018.

The program will provide free community wi-fi internet access, computer equipment, and digital skills training in remote communities.

Benefits

The Community Internet Service project will deliver reliable and sustainable internet access to identified remote communities across the Territory.

This will improve availability of digital technology in the bush and help community residents to access digital services, use social media and transact online.

The project will assist to develop digital capability in remote areas.

2019 progress update

Public access Wi-Fi hotspots have been implemented or upgraded in 46 communities. Upgrades were applied to 34 existing communities and Wi-Fi hotspots were installed in 12 new communities.

Initiative

Upgrade the Police, Fire and Emergency Services digital radio network in urban areas with modern industry standard technologies.

Overview

This initiative will upgrade the digital radio communications network used by NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services, St John Ambulance, and other NT Government and Federal agencies in urban areas to provide more reliable and secure communications for public safety and emergency services.

The upgraded network will use the P25 standard specifically developed for public safety services to support interoperability of communications equipment from different suppliers, and provide the capability for encryption and transmission of data over the network.

Benefits

Reliable and secure radio communications are essential to provide public safety and emergency services in the Territory's urban areas.

Initiative

Use artificial intelligence (Machine Learning) technology to improve fish stock reporting and research across the NT.

Overview

This initiative is adapting the concepts and digital features embedded in object recognition technology to identify fish species.

The technology is initially being used in limited areas and will be considered for broader application if it proves successful.

Benefits

Object recognition technology concepts have the potential to streamline field work, improve and efficiently capture fish stock data to provide valuable information about local fish populations and fisheries.

In the future this is likely to benefit the fishing industry and local recreational fishers.

Initiative

Use digital technology to engage with recent arrivals, past residents and frequent visitors to the NT, and promote the Territory as a preferred location to live, work and play.

Overview

The Population Strategy highlights a key group of past residents (Territory expats) and frequent visitors who know the many positive aspects of living, working or studying in the NT. These people are likely to advocate to others about Territory work and lifestyle opportunities.

In addition, the Population Strategy includes engagement of recent arrivals in the Territory in research in order to track their experiences and attitudes through surveys and focus groups.

A digital database will form part of the Territory Expat program supporting ongoing research and providing a flexible and efficient way to engage with people who have arrived in the Territory, left the Territory, and frequently visit the Territory. Digital communications will enable people to be informed about opportunities in the Territory and engage recent arrivals in population research.

A web portal and mobile app are also being developed to provide a one-stop-shop for information about living in the NT.

Benefits

The Territory expats database will provide connections, nationally and internationally to help establish professional networks, strengthen business relationships and share information about employment opportunities.

Engagement of recent arrivals in the Territory in ongoing research will enable continuous improvement of the Territory's efforts to retain residents.

The planned web portal will make it easier for people to find information about the NT.

Low population is a key inhibitor to economic growth. Efforts to boost population growth will provide benefits for local businesses and opportunities for the digital industry to attract new skills and build digital capability.

2019 progress update

The NT Expats Portal has been implemented, providing a platform that communicates across social media channels. Recent arrivals, past residents and frequent visitors to the NT can register through the portal to receive messages and information.

Initiative

Investigate the opportunities for use of drones and 3D scanning technologies to perform condition inspections of public housing.

Overview

Investigate the opportunities to use drones and 3D scanning technologies to perform external and internal condition inspections of public housing.

Drones can provide a fast, accurate and safe way to capture external images of public housing, particularly roofs.

3D scanners can be used to capture detailed images of internal spaces in public housing.

Benefits

These contemporary technologies offer the potential to reduce the time and cost for house condition inspections and provide more accurate data to manage maintenance and repair programs.

Initiative

Create a 'Remote Virtual College' will enable remote and transient senior years students to access learning 24/7 outside of the traditional physical classroom environment.

Overview

Using technology and mixed mode delivery to create a 'Remote Virtual College' provides online access to contextually relevant learning opportunities; supporting these students to engage, grow and achieve.

Benefits

Engaging remote and transient students in contextually relevant learning programs through a 'Remote Virtual College' will provide continuity of educational pathway as very remote students transition between communities.

Initiative

West Arnhem Land virtual reality experience.

Overview

Use virtual reality technologies to showcase the history, culture and the landscapes of West Arnhem Land, which tell the stories of local Indigenous people and provide viewers with 360 degree immersive experiences.

Benefits

The virtual reality experiences, soundtrack albums and related materials have the potential to reach global audiences and boost tourism in the region. Revenue will be generated for participants through pay-per-view sales, advertising and fee-based performances.

Secondary students from the region are participating in the design, filming and production of the resources through education programs. These count as integrated learning subjects within the NT Certificate of Education and Training or as part of the 'Big Business' learning unit within 'Employment Pathways'.

Initiative

Successful development and piloting of a world-first multilingual driver education app.

Overview

DriveAbout is a learner licensing app providing driver education in Aboriginal languages and English to help new drivers pass the learner permit test.

The app covers driver education in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.

Benefits

The app helps people learn the road rules by presenting information in an engaging and multilingual format.

The digital solution allows people to learn at their own pace and at home.

Initiative

Desert Knowledge Australian Solar testing facility.

Overview

In a world-first, a solar demonstration facility in Alice Springs is providing valuable open data to users across the world in real time.

The Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre tests the performance of solar technologies using 39 solar arrays supplemented with an interactive online map. This provides test data in digital format for over 5,000 users.

Benefits

This testing facility delivers valuable research data to inform the development of renewable energy supply and highlights the interactions between digital and solar technologies.