Yes Victoria, there is a CIO

The Bracks Government had committed $33.3 million over the next four years to create the Office of the CIO, Thomson said.

The CIO will improve efficiency, cut waste and drive ICT policy and strategy and within government, Thompson said. The Office of the CIO will initially be located within the Department of Premier and Cabinet and will report to the Minister for Information and Communications Technology.

The Office of the CIO will provide a dedicated focus on the Government's internal ICT policy, while Multimedia Victoria will continue to implement the “Connecting Victoria” policy which drives the Government's overall ICT agenda. In addition, a new ICT Strategy Sub Committee of Cabinet would be established, chaired by the Premier.

Thompson said the office would have a whole-of-government responsibility for use of ICT to transform government service delivery, investment in ICT to address the government's priority outcomes; strategic planning for ICT deployment across government; and architecture planning and standardisation of corporate ICT infrastructure.

“The Bracks Government recognises the important role innovation and new technology has to play in shaping Victoria's growth and economic success,” Thomson said.

“E-Government is more than simply offering on-line services, it is about revolutionising government and honouring our commitment to improve service delivery to Victorian communities,” she said.

Funding will be available from 1 July, and the Office of the CIO will be established as soon as a suitable candidate can be appointed.