The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Customer Service is set to receive a total of $146 million in funding, with $80 million allocated for cybersecurity initiatives and $66 million for the digital restart fund. The state budget, unveiled on Tuesday, revealed that these funds would support programs that were otherwise lacking in financial backing.
A substantial portion of this allocation, approximately $232.5 million, is earmarked for Service NSW, ensuring that critical services can continue and projected demand can be met through the 2026-27 period.
Additionally, the Department of Customer Service and Service NSW will receive $80 million to sustain crucial cybersecurity activities. Although not explicitly specified, this amount aligns closely with the previously reported funding shortfall faced by the state’s whole-of-government cybersecurity office, Cyber Security NSW, back in April.
The budget also designates $66 million for the digital restart fund, which has been instrumental in supporting extensive digital transformation projects across the state, amounting to over $2 billion in investments.
In terms of technology initiatives, the budget provides for various emergency communication services. The NSW Telco Authority is allocated $11.3 million to procure four new broadband cell on wheels (COWs), which are mobile base stations on wheels that can be rapidly deployed to disaster-stricken areas to restore internet and mobile phone (wi-fi and 4G) connectivity during and after emergencies.
An additional $11.3 million will be directed to the Rural Fire Service to initiate the rollout of vehicle-as-a-node (VAAN) technology, which will offer seamless internet connectivity to firefighting vehicles, enhancing communication and operational efficiency.
The NSW Police will receive $27 million to enhance critical police operational radio communication capabilities across the south, southwest, and far west regions of the state.
Furthermore, Transport for NSW is set to receive $15.8 million to invest in the Public Transport Information and Priority System, with a focus on improving real-time bus tracking for passengers. This investment aims to eliminate “ghost buses” and enhance the reliability and confidence of passengers in the public transport system.
