Featured image: Screenshot of the updated humanservices.gov.au website.
Initial analysis of the new Department of Human Services website has shown that
more people are using the online service to easily find the information they
need.
Since the updated website went live on August 27 there has
been a 7% increase in the number of pages viewed during each session as well as
a 2% increase in the time spent on the website.
Encouragingly, the improved search function is directing
people to the information they need faster and more easily:
- There was an 150% increase in the proportion of people using search and a 23% in the number of searches overall;
- a 44% increase in the average number of pages people viewed after running a search, suggesting they are finding the information they need; and
- a 9% reduction in the number of people using the website that finished their browsing on the ‘phone us’ page.
The humanservices.gov.au
redesign is making it easier for people to access information and services
online and is part of the Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to improve
services and reduce the need for people to call or visit a service centre.
Minister for Human Services, Alan Tudge said these changes
have already made significant improvements for users.
“The website redesign is making it easier and faster for
people to find the information they need, when they need it,” Minister Tudge
said.
“On many occasions people call the Department when they
simply do not need to because the answer to their question is readily available
on the website.
“By improving the usability of the website, we are reducing
the need for people to call or visit a service centre, which, over time, will
help reduce wait times.”
The website reform is one part of the Government’s service
delivery transformation which also includes the billion dollar Welfare
Payment Infrastructure Transformation (WPIT) programme, a new AU$600 million telephony system, streamlining
claim processes, 250 new call centre staff and other measures to reduce call
wait times.