The NSW government is implementing digital technology to enhance the renewal process of Working with Children Checks. They are testing photo verification as part of a new, secure online government service to offer a more convenient option.
According to the Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, providing a secure online option for identity verification anytime and anywhere will be a significant time-saving measure for customers. He stated that in NSW, there are over 1.8 million customers holding a Working with Children Check that requires renewal every five years. Previously, these customers had to visit a Service NSW Centre to verify their identity for the renewal process.
Customers now have the option to complete a digital photo verification for their Working with Children Check renewal, eliminating the need to visit a Service NSW Centre in person. This online alternative saves an average of two hours per check for customers.
This technology relies on customers using their desktop, laptop, or phone camera to conduct a real-time photo comparison of themselves against their government-issued ID, thereby ensuring the security of their identity and preventing online scams or hacking attempts.
The Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services, made a statement that the pilot phase of the new digital photo verification process will provide valuable feedback to the government in terms of the performance and user experience of the system.
The feedback collected during the pilot phase will be utilized to optimize the service, ensuring that the final version is more accessible and user-friendly for all customers. The government aims to have the final service roll-out as part of its larger statewide program. The Minister emphasized that the digital solution for Working with Children Checks is an essential step forward in making government services more efficient and convenient for the people of NSW.
The pilot program will improve accessibility to government services, particularly for people with disabilities, time constraints, or those in rural areas. The new process lets customers complete their renewals online, eliminating the need to visit a physical location. This initiative aims to make essential services more inclusive and convenient through the use of technology.
It is intended that the new service benefits all customers, and the technical foundations have been laid, with testing already underway. The officials responsible for the initiative are keen to receive participant feedback to identify areas for further improvement.
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has set aside AU$2.1 billion for the Digital Restart Fund over the next four years. This fund aims to create smart and straightforward technology solutions for customers throughout the state.
The Digital Restart Fund is a significant government initiative in New South Wales aimed at creating intelligent and user-friendly technology solutions that benefit the residents of the state. The government has committed the funding to develop and implement technology solutions that enhance the delivery of essential services to the public.
The fund aims to support government agencies, non-government organizations, and private enterprises in the development of new technologies, applications, and digital infrastructure that align with the needs of the people of New South Wales. The initiative intends to stimulate innovation and promote the development of new digital technologies that will enhance the state’s economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
The Digital Restart Fund is part of the government’s commitment to modernising service delivery to the public, making it more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly. The government is keen to leverage digital technology to create a more inclusive and accessible society that delivers better outcomes for everyone.