Tasmania's tech and innovation agenda has progressed significantly over the past 12 months following the Tasmanian Liberal Government's focus on developing the digital economy.
2024 saw the roll-out of several key tech reforms, including the launch of myServiceTas, expansion of free Wi-Fi across Tasmania, and support for a state-of-the-art STEM Precinct at UTAS Sandy Bay.
Minister for Innovation, Science, and the Digital Economy, Madeleine Ogilvie, said the Tasmanian Government was taking Tasmania to the next level.
"Our tech agenda is ambitious: we are tooling-up our modern island economy for the digital economy," Minister Ogilvie said.
"Excitingly, in November, we expanded the Free Statewide Wi-Fi Access Program (SWAP) to more than 80 locations across the State, growing to record levels the total number of locations that offer free Wi-Fi.
"We're also currently undertaking a refresh of the strategy Our Digital Future, which will guide the development of 'anytime, anywhere' services, and we'll invite the community to be a part of that process next year.
"The tech sector is an important part of the Tasmanian economy, contributing more than $1.7 billion to the State's economy and employing more than 9,500 workers," Minister Ogilvie said.
Minister Ogilvie has also encouraged Tasmanians stay vigilant for scams during the upcoming Christmas holidays.
"I encourage everyone to maintain their vigilance and continue to take simple, yet effective, measures to protect themselves online.
"That includes activating multi-factor authentication; using strong and unique passwords; and, keeping up-to-date the software on your devices," Minister Ogilvie said.