AUSTRALIA Post will partner with the Federal Government to develop user-friendly solutions for the public to access government's digital services.

Australia Post will work with the Digital Transformation Agency to integrate its own identity technology into the Commonwealth's Digital Identity Framework.

The partnership will focus on developing a proof of concept to help government agencies enhance how they provide access to services online and over the counter.

Australia Post Managing Director & Group CEO Ahmed Fahour said the partnership reinforces Australia Post's commitment to helping people connect to important government services such as health and community services.

"Our new Digital iD™ platform provides Australians with greater choice and control in how they prove their identity online," Mr Fahour said.

Mr Fahour said there are millions of interactions with government and private sector organisations each year that are time consuming, requiring people to produce at least two or more forms of ID to prove who they are.  

"Our research shows these processes cost the Australian economy up to $11 billion a year in proving identity alone, and can be unlocked by making it easy, safe and secure to prove that you are who you say you are when interacting online," Mr Fahour added.

"We envisage an identity solution, like Digital iD™, could unlock significant benefits for everyday Australians doing business with government."

The Commonwealth's Digital Identity Framework is a set of standards, processes and partnerships to guide the Government's formation of a federated system of identity providers.

www.auspost.com.au

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AMMA chief executive Steve Knott has congratulated mining identity Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest and his wife Nicola on their overwhelmingly generous philanthropic donation of $400 million.
 
Continuing the Forrests’ many years of exceptional philanthropy, the record-breaking donation will reportedly fund a number of important social and scientific causes, including cancer research, equality, higher education and ending ‘modern-day’ slavery.
 
“Andrew Forrest, through his kindness, entrepreneurial spirit and achievements, has been an inspiration to the international resource community for many years,” Mr Knott said.
 
“He’s often had to push against the odds in the initiatives and ventures he’s been involved in, showing great resolve and determination. History shows he’s been incredibly successful and should be commended for that.
 
“Andrew has been a wonderful ambassador for the resources sector and instrumental in providing Aboriginal people with sustainable employment and business opportunities through initiatives including the VTEC training centres, Generation One and ‘A Billion Opportunities’.
 
“Today’s remarkably selfless donation is yet another example of Andrew’s leadership and kindness that will change the lives of thousands of people, helping to fight a number of immensely worthwhile causes.
 
“On behalf of AMMA and the resources community, domestically and internationally, I congratulate Andrew and Nicola Forrest on their incredible act of kindness and generosity.”

www.amma.org.au

ends
 

THE Australian Computer Society (ACS), the professional association for Australia’s ICT sector, is launching the 2017 Australia’s Digital Pulse Report, prepared by Deloitte Access Economics, on Wednesday, May 24 during the CeBIT Conferencefrom 5pm to 7pm at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Darling Harbour, Sydney. 

The contribution of digital technologies to the Australian economy is forecast to grow from $79 billion in 2014 to $139 billion in 2020. 

This years’ Digital Pulse Report highlights the latest data, insights and megatrends on key issues in Australia’s ICT industry and digital economy, including ICT jobs growth, Australia’s ICT skills shift, cybersecurity and the economic policies needed to support and accelerate Australia’s digital transition. 

The event will discuss the Report’s major themes, and feature a panel discussion with influential voicesincluding, Angus Taylor MP, Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, John O’Mahony, Deloitte Access Economics, NickO’Donnell, Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, LinkedIn Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, and Michelle Price, Chief Operating Officer, Australian Cyber Security Growth Network. 

The event is held during the CeBIT Conference.  

Event details: 

What:             ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse Report 2017 Launch

When:             Wednesday, 24 May 2017

Time:              5.00pm – 7.00pm

                      Registration opens 5pm, followed by pre-drinks and canapés from 5pm – 6pm

                                    Launch of Digital Pulse 2017 starts at 6pm

Venue:                        ICC, Main Showroom Floor, 14 Darling St, Sydney, NSW 2009

Speakers:       Andrew Johnson – ACS CEO

                      Anthony Wong – ACS President

                      John O’Mahony – Partner Deloitte Access Economics

                      Nick O’Donnell – Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs, LinkedIn Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia

                     Angus Taylor MP – Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation (video link)

                     Michelle Price – Chief Operating Officer, Australian Cyber Security Growth Network

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AUSTRALIA'S bilateral defence relationship with Japan will be the subject of a public hearing today by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties.

The Committee is reviewing a proposed agreement for the reciprocal provision of supplies and services between the Australian Defence Force and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan. The Committee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence as the lead agency for the agreement.

Committee Chair Stuart Robert MP explained that the proposed agreement expands the terms of a similar agreement signed in 2010, reflecting changes in Japan’s domestic laws and its more active role in global peace and security.

“Australia’s relationship with Japan is more important than ever as increasing tensions in the Asia‑Pacific risk regional and global security. The Committee will examine the revised terms of this agreement to ensure that it sufficiently enables increasing cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and Self‑Defence Forces of Japan in the face of regional instability”, Mr Robert said.

The Committee will table its report on the proposed Agreement in the Parliament by 9 August 2017.

Public hearing details: 11:10am - 12:15pm, Monday 22 May, Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra

11:10am: Defence Supplies and Services - Japan; Department of Defence
12:15am: Close

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

ENDS