54
IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The Australian Federal Government has been exploring use
of the cloud and has published its findings in the Cloud
Computing Strategic Directions Paper (http://www.finance.gov.
au/e-government/strategy-and-governance/docs/final_cloud_
computing_strategy_version_1.pdf). Further, there are now
local Australian Cloud providers and indications that major
international players will be increasing their local presence.
The physical remoteness of Cloud computing approaches is worth
noting, particularly for smaller and regional councils. Several local
councils in Queensland are tapping into Cloud infrastructure to
mitigate the risk of fire and floods. This has lifesaving potential
through the ability to sustain communication, coordination and
operation systems during large scale disasters as essential IT can
be located outside the disaster-affected areas.
NICTA is working closely with government and large enterprises
to develop the tools that pave the way for a smooth and
safe transition from in-house servers to the cloud and allow
management of hybrids across the two. Yuruware, a NICTA
spinout, provides automated disaster recovery for cloud based
services, literally within a few mouse clicks (www.yuruware.com).
Increasingly, services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and even call
centres can be hosted as a cloud service using the services of
local companies.
What’s next?
Some of the areas NICTA is currently researching will
completely alter the way government organisations across
all tiers seek solutions to issues, which in some cases may
have traditionally been viewed as incompatible (such as cost
cutting and sustainability). For instance, Smart Grid technology
will enable widespread use of micro-generation and smaller,
sustainable energy systems, in turn helping local government
meet sustainability targets. The City of Sydney and North Sydney
Councils are early adopters of tri-gen systems, with the City
of Sydney also setting aggressive sustainability targets (www.
climatespectator.com.au/commentary/sydneys-trigen-power-play).
Govlink I Issue 1 2014
Video analytics has now reached the point where license
plates and cars can be tracked, enabling sophisticated traffic
management. People may be identified, which could assist
in missing person cases. Assets such street signs can be
automatically recognised, then geo-tagged using NICTA’s
Automap technology which can automatically identify and
geo-locate street and traffic signs from video acquired merely by
driving past. Data mining or ‘Big Data’ allows insight into citizen
behaviour which will have a flow-on effect to better targeting
services and even allow for the development of abilities to
optimise maintenance for essential infrastructure like water pipes
or waste water systems.
Engagement
While technology trends are important, stakeholders must
be engaged in understanding how technology can improve
government at all levels and together develop appropriate
solutions. For this reason, NICTA is sponsoring the Australian
e-Government Cluster – a national cluster that brings together
participants from government, the ICT industry sector
and the ICT research sector.
The cluster fosters:
Innovation through:
• Trialling and development of new technology innovations for
government
The cluster works with government agencies and participant
companies to trial new innovative technologies and to
disseminate information about those trials to government
participants. Previous trials have included tools to utilise social
media to visualise public opinion on policy matters.
• Growth of business opportunities for innovative Australian
companies in the government sector both in Australia and overseas
The cluster works with local SMEs to promote new technology
innovations to government through the sponsorship of stands/
promotional material for major international conferences and
tradeshows such as FutureGov and CEBIT.