The Push for a Digital Public Sector in South Australia

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet put together a digital strategy in 2020, outlining the South Australian Government’s digital transformation over the next 5-year period. No one was prepared for what was in store with a global pandemic. At the time, the focus quickly changed to the transformation at hand, as the world learned how to work remotely and connect virtually.

Three years on, governments, businesses, and organisations are moving beyond the aftereffects and are looking to the future and preparing and planning for it. This is no different for the South Australian government and the wider public sector.

At the fourth, Innovate SA, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet will share an update on their 2020 – 2025 strategy. Where are we on this journey? How far have we come? What’s the way forward? What does the ‘new’ normal look like and how does digital transformation help with that journey? What are the priorities for the strategy between now and 2025? Get these burning questions answered at the event. Part of their strategy focuses on digital equity, and digital leadership. If COVID has taught us anything, it is that every citizen needs accessibility, so how do we achieve this?

Key to the discussion on capabilities is the talent shortage, which has been a resounding echo from both public and private sectors. There are many reasons attributing to the talent shortage, which has been discussed heavily. However, a group of experts will discuss strategies to combat the talent shortage. Professor Romy Lawson will bring in her expertise from a tertiary education perspective talking not just about tech careers and opportunities but STEM careers, coupled with industry speakers who are putting in place recruitment strategies to fill the gaps.

As tech disruptions take the world by storm, some exciting projects are taking place in South Australia that are innovating and improving citizen experiences. For example, the Department of Education has recently introduced EdChat, a generative AI tool just like ChatGPT, for schools across the state. It’s currently being trialled across some schools. Daniel Hughes, CIO, Department of Education will share insights on how this concept came about, and some results from the initial trial.

On the other hand, David Mazzone, Chief Operating Officer, Legal Services Commission, have developed amica, an online tool that helps those going through a separation to make decisions more amicably. David will share amica’s journey at the event.

Mark your calendars on the 4th of April, and join-in on the conversation for a more digital South Australian public sector.