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Coalition unveils digital strategy

The coalition says all major government services could be available online from 2017.

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Source: AAP


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All major federal government services would be available online from 2017, if the coalition wins government.

Opposition communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull said 2017 was a "realistic and achievable" date for the internet, or video-conferencing, to become the standard way of accessing key services.

The plan announced on Monday would also enable individuals and companies to set up a unique digital "in-box" for all communication from government agencies.

Mr Turnbull said Australia's global ranking in terms of government use of information technology had slipped from ninth in 2004 to 18th in 2012.

"In spite of Labor's rhetoric about the national broadband network, the reality is that Labor's policies are rapidly turning Australia into a digital also-ran," Mr Turnbull said.

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"Only a coalition government will encourage a sophisticated digital economy built on knowledge and productivity."

Mr Turnbull said a coalition government would also take a lead role in setting standards for online identity verification and payment using mobile technologies.

"The role of government would not be to pick winners or lay down inflexible rules, but to encourage coordination and break impasses between conflicting interests," Mr Turnbull said.

The plan builds on the coalition's announcement in April to deliver its own cheaper version of national broadband network.


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