Spotlight on State Government Spotlight on State Government

When it comes to how Australians consume and experience public sector services in the digital age, no jurisdiction touches more lives through more organisations than state and territory governments.

In more ways than one, it’s fair to say that 2019 was the year that Canberra woke up to the rapid advances and leadership shown by state governments in busting siloes and realising connected service delivery, not least through the creation of Services Australia.

And while NSW might deservedly bask in the fact the Feds now see it as an IT exemplar, the truth is there are great projects happening right across the states and territories that deserve to be recognised and celebrated for the public good they deliver.

Be it digital licensing, enhancing the public health system, improving public transport and citizen safety or just removing friction and frustration from life events like spanning births, deaths and marriages, state government IT shops are delivering in spade.

Last year the iTnews Benchmark Awards decided to celebrate excellence in state government technology in its own right and this year we’re proud to say the category is stronger than ever.

As the judges assess the entries to make the difficult decision on this year’s winner, here are the finalists that caught the eye of the iTnews team.

The winners will be revealed at the Benchmark Awards ceremony in KPMG’s Sydney office at Barangaroo on March 5.

Service NSW launches Digital ID pilot

Service NSW launches Digital ID pilot

Starting with NSW toll rebate scheme users.
Andrew Colley Feb 11 2026 7:02PM Security
Announcing the 2026 iTnews Benchmark Awards finalists

Announcing the 2026 iTnews Benchmark Awards finalists

Winners announced at gala dinner, 26 March.
VB Templeman Feb 2 2026 12:00PM Benchmarking Change
NSW to overhaul state cyber emergency plan

NSW to overhaul state cyber emergency plan

As fresh cyber security strategy for 2026-2028 is released.
Juha Saarinen Jan 28 2026 5:48PM Security
Vic Education database breached via school's network

Vic Education database breached via school's network

Triggers mass password reset, individual school notifications.
Ry Crozier Jan 15 2026 6:02PM Security
NSW Housing Development Authority largely cleared on shadow AI use

NSW Housing Development Authority largely cleared on shadow AI use

Staff reminded to only use sanctioned software.
Ry Crozier Dec 24 2025 12:02PM Software
NSW Health clinicians "normalise" bypass of cyber security controls

NSW Health clinicians "normalise" bypass of cyber security controls

In the name of "clinical urgency".
Ry Crozier Dec 19 2025 11:56AM Security
James Cook University augments ServiceNow platform with AI

James Cook University augments ServiceNow platform with AI

Using Now Assist and other tools.
Ry Crozier Dec 15 2025 6:37AM Software
ServiceNow nears deal to buy cyber security startup

ServiceNow nears deal to buy cyber security startup

Valued at as much as US$7 billion.
Staff Writer Dec 15 2025 6:27AM Security
Vic energy department seeks CIO

Vic energy department seeks CIO

Responsibilities currently overseen by project delivery director.
Zachariah Kelly Dec 12 2025 6:39AM Training & Development
WA makes its chief data officer permanent

WA makes its chief data officer permanent

After two years.
Ry Crozier Dec 5 2025 1:45PM Training & Development
NSW' $969m single digital patient record at risk of cost overruns

NSW' $969m single digital patient record at risk of cost overruns

Legacy system integration costs reportedly underestimated.
Zachariah Kelly Nov 27 2025 5:00PM Software
NSW DPHI's latest digital transformation driven by housing reforms

NSW DPHI's latest digital transformation driven by housing reforms

Upgrades core technology and looks to AI for efficiency gains.
Ry Crozier Nov 20 2025 6:46AM Emerging Tech
In pictures: The 2025 iTnews Benchmark Security Awards winners

In pictures: The 2025 iTnews Benchmark Security Awards winners

All the winning security leaders.
Staff Writer Nov 7 2025 2:15AM Benchmarking Change
NSW DCCEEW makes CDIO its top tech role

NSW DCCEEW makes CDIO its top tech role

Nearly two years after formation.
Zachariah Kelly Nov 5 2025 6:35AM Training & Development
NSW auditor: 'extra agency-led AI policies needed'

NSW auditor: 'extra agency-led AI policies needed'

Whole-of-government principles insufficient to cover advancing use cases.
Zachariah Kelly Nov 3 2025 6:28AM Software
Vic gov agencies flying blind on server security, audit finds

Vic gov agencies flying blind on server security, audit finds

Improved IT asset managed called for.
Juha Saarinen Oct 29 2025 5:40PM Security
Tasmanian gov agencies impacted by cyber attack

Tasmanian gov agencies impacted by cyber attack

Student data may have been compromised.
Zachariah Kelly Oct 29 2025 2:10PM Security
Cenitex appoints former Vic DFFH CIO as CEO

Cenitex appoints former Vic DFFH CIO as CEO

Ends year-long search for a permanent chief.
Zachariah Kelly Oct 9 2025 6:47AM Training & Development
WA gov inks $73m deal for core digital twin platform

WA gov inks $73m deal for core digital twin platform

Under $140m Spatial WA program.
Zachariah Kelly Oct 8 2025 6:50AM Software
2026 iTnews Benchmark Awards now open

2026 iTnews Benchmark Awards now open

Celebrating Australia's most outstanding and impactful IT projects.
Staff Writer Oct 7 2025 6:41AM Benchmarking Change

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