Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Budget 2004: Funding for online govt services

Hon Trevor Mallard
Minister of State Services

Funding for secure online government services

The government is investing an extra $14.8 million over the next four years to further develop a secure system for people wanting to use government services over the Internet, State Services Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.

The allocation includes capital funding of $240,000.

"The system, known as online authentication, allows people and agencies to have confidence in each other's identity when conducting transactions online. It is one of the key elements of e-government and will become increasingly important as agencies extend the range of their online services," Trevor Mallard said.

"New Zealanders have enthusiastically embraced internet banking, and tell us they want the same kind of convenience and security for the increasing range of government services that are available online.

"This government is committed to delivering a public service that effectively meets the needs of New Zealanders in the 21st century. Ensuring security and privacy in the provision of good quality and efficient online government services is part of our goal.

"Public consultation on online authentication options was held in 2003, and it was very clear that people preferred a straightforward central solution with limited information exchange, that put security and the privacy of New Zealanders' as the top priority. We agreed with this way forward.

"The State Services Commission's E-government Unit, in conjunction with the Department of Internal Affairs, will now develop and implement government-wide standards for authentication. The Privacy Commissioner will also be consulted on any privacy concerns. A national ID card has been ruled out.

"A number of agencies already conduct online authentication for specific online services. A common approach that can be applied across the whole of government will provide consistency for people using government services online," Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.