13/2008
23 April 2008
A quarter of all Australians now conduct most or their entire dealings with government online, according to a report released today by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner.
The report, Australians' Use of and Satisfaction with e-Government Services – 2007, measures the uptake of government services provided through the internet and other channels in Australia.
Mr Tanner said “This report provides insight into Australian citizens’ views and use of online government services. It shows how indispensable the Internet has become for the delivery of those services to the Australian public.”
“Use of the Internet to access government services has changed significantly since these reports began in 2005. By measuring how citizens use government services in different ways, we can identify trends and analyse the experiences, preferences and evolving expectations of those citizens.”
“As the report shows, 25 per cent of people now conduct all or most of their dealings with government over the Internet, up from 14 per cent in 2004-05. Three in five people (59 per cent) used the Internet to access government services in 2007, a 20 per cent increase compared with 2004-05 usage rates.”
The report is based on a study of Australians over the age of 18 who had some form of contact with government in the previous 12 months.
Mr Tanner said the report also highlighted the continuing challenges facing government administration in delivering services to the Australian public.
“Citizens are telling us they value convenience in their interactions with government agencies. Some prefer the Internet, while some prefer dealing directly with real people face-to-face or by telephone.”
“However people prefer to access government services, this report provides a solid foundation for governments and agencies at every level to improve how their services are delivered,” Mr Tanner said.
This report will also form part of the information supplied to Sir Peter Gershon, who is currently conducting an independent review of the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Sir Peter Gershon will report to the Minister by September 2008 on options to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ICT within Government. The review is part of the broader ongoing reform agenda to improve the efficiency of government spending and deliver better value for money.
Australians' Use of and Satisfaction with e-Government Services – 2007 is available online at www.agimo.gov.au/publications/2007/december/australians_use_of_and_satisfaction_with_e-government_services__2007
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| Media Contact: |
Website: |
| Shannon Walker - 0414 694 476 | www.financeminister.gov.au |
