The National Meeting of Digital Economy and Technology Ministers met today by teleconference to discuss how governments across Australia collectively continue to support industries and businesses impacted by COVID-19.
The following ministers attended the meeting:
- The Hon Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology (Commonwealth)
- The Hon Victor Dominello MP, Minister for Customer Service (New South Wales)
- The Hon Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney (New South Wales)
- The Hon Jaala Pulford MP, Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy (Victoria)
- The Hon David Pisoni MP, Minister for Innovation and Skills (South Australia)
- The Hon Michael Ferguson MP, Minister for Science and Technology (Tasmania)
Better support business digitisation
Ministers were briefed on the business digital support services being provided by Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, and how they pivoted to support business in response to COVID-19.
Ministers agreed that great support for businesses to digitise was in place, but that more can be done. Ministers commissioned the Digital Economy and Technology Senior Officials' Group to continue to work with industry to understand their greatest areas of need in supporting digitisation and resilience as the economy recovers from COVID-19.
They will also explore the most effective digital business support programs across all jurisdictions and agreed that best practices and resources for businesses will be shared to drive business digital transformation throughout Australia. Jurisdictions will explore ways to promote awareness of digital initiatives and services available to business, including through a new Australian Government Non-government Organisation, Navii, who's role it is to empower businesses to go digital.
Ministers noted the project will coordinate and maximise efforts across the states and territories in helping businesses get online and use technology to improve their operations.
