Driving information and communications technology (ICT) and systems improvements to help reduce claim processing times for veterans is a priority for the Australian Government.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC, Stuart Robert, said improving the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) computer systems would have tangible benefits for veterans.
“Ensuring DVA’s ICT infrastructure is up to the task of supporting veterans is one of my key priorities,” Mr Robert said.
“DVA’s computer systems are at the centre of everything we do and modern, more agile systems will significantly improve claim processing times and open up new avenues to interact with younger veterans.”
As part of DVA’s ICT improvement program, the majority of Canberra-based DVA ICT staff will co-locate with Department of Human Services (DHS) ICT staff in Tuggeranong early in 2016.
The co-location will build on the ICT shared services arrangements that have been in place since 2010 and will allow the two departments’ ICT teams to work more closely and collaboratively together.
The existing agreement between DVA and DHS covers a wide range of ICT services including support for desktop, mid-range and mainframe infrastructure as well as storage.
“Co-locating DVA’s ICT staff with DHS allows DVA staff to access the most modern and up to date ICT systems to provide the best possible support to veterans,” Mr Robert said.
“This is a sensible approach to driving systems improvements and ultimately improvements for veterans accessing DVA services. DVA will remain a standalone agency and there will be no job losses for either department associated with this move.”
DVA ICT staff will move during the same time period as DVA relocates its head office from Woden to the Gnabra Building in Civic in January 2016.
Media enquiries:
Richard Briedis (Minister Robert) 0477 391 174
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) can be reached 24 hours a day across Australia for crisis support and free and confidential counselling. Phone 1800 011 046 (international: +61 8 8241 4546)