News

National security committee in telco review

The powerful parliamentary national security committee has launched an inquiry into the federal laws to manage security risks and the cybersecurity of telecommunications companies, amid concerns the new powers...

We need to chat about chatbots

I’m curious as to what the colour of a chatbot t-shirt has to do with service delivery. In recent years, the ranks of the Australian Government’s chatbot brigade has...

Govt knocks back mandatory IoT guidelines

The federal government has knocked back industry calls for mandatory cybersecurity guidelines for the Internet of Things, unveiling a voluntary code which manufacturers can choose to meet all, some...

Clare O’Neil on the R&D tax changes

The federal government is “selling out the next generation of Australians” with its planned cuts to the research and development tax incentive and should instead look towards more direct...

The skills squeeze and team augmentation

After a panic-firing season during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market in Australia for software developers is searching for a new normal in a world where...

Talent grab as engineers get fast-tracked visas

Australia has a “once in a generation opportunity” to attract some of the best tech talent in the world, with the federal government offering fast-tracked visas and border restriction...

Pumping the brakes on the digital ID scheme

The Opposition has called on the government to pump the brake on its digital identity program and ensure it has the basics right before plowing ahead with new legislation...

Global talent to drive NSW AI ambitions

A funny thing happened in New South Wales last Friday. Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello unveiled the state’s first ever artificial intelligence strategy at an afternoon event in Sydney...

Deloitte contract with DTA triples to $28.1m

Consulting giant Deloitte has landed a $5 million pay rise from the Digital Transformation Agency for its work on a new social network-inspired myGov platform, while its rival KPMG...

Govt-led Senate report calls for R&D tax changes

A government-led Senate inquiry has called for changes to the research and development tax incentive, including more clarity on the eligibility of software claims and the introduction of restrictions...

Stirring the pot on marketplaces and panels

Whether by chance or design, the ANAO’s recently released and snappily titled “Establishment and Use of ICT Related Procurement Panels and Arrangements” contains all the ingredients for an interesting...

Software as an R&D tax incentive claim

Australian software developers complain the R&D Tax Incentive is too risky and tricky to access for their style of innovation. But there may be a quick-fire method of ensuring...

Clare O’Neil on the big picture for tech

Federal Labor will bring a comprehensive, tech-focused policy package to the next election after the government’s “ad-hoc and knee jerked” approach to the sector across the better part of...

BCG gets another $300k pay rise from DTA

The Digital Transformation Agency has handed Boston Consulting Group a further $300,000 for six weeks’ work on helping design government tech investment policy and governance. The global consultancy firm...