Damon Rees, former chief executive of Service NSW, to lead the review of the over-budget modernizing business registers (MBR) project. Federal government has appointed him for this project. Deputy treasurer Stephen Jones launched the review earlier this month.
Jones had stated that the review aimed to comprehensively understand the current state of the program and make recommendations for changes, improvements, and strategies to ensure that the program achieves its intended objectives.
Project replaced 31 registers
The Project cost more than $650 million so far. It is expected that the cost of the project will increase to over $1.5 billion upon completion. The project replaced 31 registers including the 30-year-old Australian Business register.
Jones announced Rees’ appointment to the MBR project and mentioned that he would be aided by a secretariat consisting of personnel from Treasury, the DTA, and other relevant agencies
The report’s deadline is the end of June. The announcement has also disclosed the finalized terms of reference for the review. Which states that revising the project’s scope may be necessary to complete the MBR project. The review will also verify the current estimated project costs.
NSW government’s digital leader for five years
Rees had served as the NSW government’s digital leader for five years until his resignation from Service NSW in November 2022. During his tenure, he oversaw the agency’s successful implementation of the NSW digital driver’s license. Before that, he held the position of the NSW government’s inaugural chief information and digital officer. He had also worked in the private sector, including as acting CIO for Woolworths and CDO for Macquarie Group.
The government is seeking suggestions for enhancements or alternative methods of design. The delivery that can reduce costs, hasten delivery, and/or enhance the program’s governance and management.The review will also ensure the accuracy of the current projected costs of the project.
