The Queensland Government has begun its ‘comprehensive audit’ into information and communication technology systems used by the state’s public service in an attempt to identify savings and efficiencies.

 

The audit is the first of its kind in the state, with the Minister for Information Technology, Ros Bates, saying she will seek to remove all duplication and waste from the sector.

 

“On the patchy information we do have it appears Queensland taxpayers are paying for many out-dated and duplicate systems and many more licences than are necessary,” Ms Bates said.

 

“We are also sure that every Department was buying the same few products at a higher price than they would if Government-wide purchases had been made.” 

 

Cabinet has designated the Queensland Government Chief Information Office to lead the ICT audit which will focus on identifying opportunities to: 
• reduce duplicate ICT investments; 
• consider how the government’s buying power could be better used; and 
• simplify telecommunications to deliver savings. 

The audit will be completed by the end of October 2012, and will identify wasteful processes and high-risk initiatives requiring proactive intervention.