News

Push for NDIS to explain ‘cookie-cutter’ algorithm

The head of the NDIS has revealed for the first time some details of how the technology sitting behind the controversial new independent assessments will operate, raising concerns that...

Next STEM leaders on show at Innovation Games

An agriculture skills exchange platform pitch has won the Western National Innovation Games, which this year focused on removing barriers for women in STEM, capping off a week-long program...

One third of DTA workforce are labour hire staff

Nearly a third of the Digital Transformation Agency’s total workforce are temporary labour hire staff, as concerns continue to grow over a lack of in-house tech expertise in the...

Defence sets up ‘Space Division’ with $7b boost

Defence will establish a Space Division within the Royal Australian Air Force in early 2022, after being allocated $7 billion by the government last year to improve how it...

Australia needs a Chief Technologist: CEDA

The Australian government should appoint a Chief Technologist to drive its digital agenda and provide leadership and guidance in the face of “ministerial musical chairs”, according to the Committee...

Deliveroo loses test case as rider ruled an employee

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a Deliveroo rider kicked off the platform last year was an “employee” of the tech giant in a decision with ramifications for...

Better business support needed for migrants: Labor

Migrants in Australia have been left behind in the rush to digitise government services and are missing out on entrepreneurial schemes because of underfunded agencies and poorly designed programs, according...

Archives’ fight to preserve the old, and the new

The National Archives of Australia (NAA) has been in the news lately. It desperately needs many millions of dollars to digitise Australia’s decaying historical records, particularly those on film...

IBM gets $19m for govt COVID vaccine platform

The government has awarded IBM a two-year, $19 million contract to upgrade the backend of Australia’s immunisation records system to cope with COVID vaccination data. Services Australia manages the...

Govt looks in the mirror with a policy reheat

When Industry Minister Christian Porter rose in question time to mock the Opposition for “reheating” a policy from six years ago, it’s unclear whether he knew the government had...

Govt spending $250,000 each month on NDIS app

The federal government is spending just under $250,000 every month on developing a new NDIS app, as debate around the financial “sustainability” of the scheme continues. Questions have also...

Qld govt funds Bundaberg blockchain project

The Queensland government has announced the first grant from it agribusiness digital transformation program, co-investing almost $160,000 in a Bundaberg fruit and vegetable co-op’s digital project. Eight more grant recipients...

Agency cuts lead to tech outsourcing fears

The key agencies tasked with delivering the government’s billion-dollar digital spend are facing staffing and funding cuts, leading to concerns the funding will flow straight to private contractors and...

Labor startup plan gets big tick from industry

Labor’s proposal to spur innovation through loans to young entrepreneurs has received strong backing from the Australian startup community and technology universities, who expect the program would be oversubscribed...