Thursday, 22 June 2023

Ministers statements: digital services

Danny PEARSON (Essendon – Minister for Government Services, Assistant Treasurer, Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC, Minister for Consumer Affairs) (14:26): I rise today to speak about the digital revolution and how the Andrews Labor government is delivering digital services for all Victorians. I know the flogs opposite are entirely stuck in an analog world, but I thought it would be worth pointing out that it was 26 years ago when two Australian pioneers took out a non-exclusive patent on a wireless computer network, blazing the trail for what later became known as wi-fi. Fast-forward, guess what, 26 years, and we are providing free wi-fi in the CBD and rolling out the $550 million Connecting Victoria program.

Now, a lot has changed, and the Andrews Labor government has not wasted a day in pushing forward the digital agenda. I was thrilled to be joined by my colleague the Minister for Roads and Road Safety recently to announce that the digital drivers licence is coming to Victoria. This is cutting-edge technology, and Victorians will have the option to download their licence in the Service Victoria app or alternatively the soon-to-be-launched VicRoads app. And guess where we are trialling it? The fantastic – one of the best cities in the world – Ballarat, the mighty Ballarat, supported by the equally mighty members for Wendouree, Eureka and Ripon.

But we are not just doing a digital drivers licence. We are rolling out a number of digital cards, and this means that Victorians are one step closer to leaving their wallet at home. My colleague the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers has been working hard to make sure older Victorians get their seniors card in their Service Victoria wallet, because we know it is not just young Victorians who want access to digital services. Earlier this year Service Victoria rolled out a digital version of the working with children check card, and what a success it has been.

Do you know what the satisfaction rating is for Service Victoria – 25 per cent or 26 per cent? No. On this side of the house we will not settle for that. Service Victoria boasts a 96 per cent satisfaction rating, and we could not be prouder. While the filth opposite are cherishing their Kodak moments of Bob Menzies, we are getting on and delivering cutting-edge 21st-century technology for all Victorians.