Kayelle Drinkwater

Getting there ... #digitalID legislation is good ✅ and now terrific to see some funding for trials of #digitalwallets and #verifiablecredentials as part of the Australian Government Digital Identity System (AGDIS). Identity is great but only half the story. We need an end-to-end and secure system. It is pointless to be able to prove who you are digitally if you still have to produce/copy/send paper documents and certificates.

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We have recently published the latest #DigitalStrategy Roadmap for the WA Government. The roadmap outlines the vision and highlights over 70 projects currently underway. The large number of new initiatives in this year’s roadmap is a testamente to the ongoing commitment to digital transformation as a key driver of reforms. The goal of the strategy: To provide convenient, smart and secure services for everyone in Western Australia. Check out the roadmap here: https://lnkd.in/g7XcvKGD

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Calling All Who Care About the Future of the NDIS: Your Voice Matters! Are you passionate about improving the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? Whether you're a participant, family member, carer, service provider, or simply someone who cares about disability rights, your input is invaluable! The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is inviting everyone with an interest in the NDIS to become Participant First members and share their unique perspectives. What does being a Participant First member involve? By joining, you'll have the opportunity to contribute through a variety of activities like focus groups, interviews, workshops, surveys, and more. Your feedback will directly influence how the NDIS evolves to better support people with disability and their families. Why should you become a Participant First member? - Make a real difference in the lives of people with disability and their families. - Connect with a diverse community of like-minded individuals. - Gain a deeper understanding of the NDIS. - Have your voice heard and shape the future of the NDIS. If you're passionate about improving the NDIS, I encourage you to visit the NDIA website and fill out the Participant First form. Your contribution is invaluable and will help us build a stronger, more inclusive NDIS for all.🤟🌻 https://lnkd.in/g9CQT-Ks #NDIS #Disability #ParticipantFirst #MakeADifference #Inclusion #NDIA #DisabilityAdvocate #ParticipantFirst #Transparent #Responsive #Respectful #Empowering #Connected Bill Shorten

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🔍 **Navigating Cross-Funding Agencies and NDIS Supports: Challenges and Solutions** As a support coordinator, I've witnessed firsthand the increasing pressure from cross-funding agencies to implement supports that should rightfully be funded by other agencies. This situation not only affects the financial stability of support coordinators but also impacts the quality of care provided to NDIS participants. **The Dilemma:** 1. **Dual Funding:** Many participants are eligible for support from both the NDIS and other funding sources (such as Medicare, state programs, or local services). However, determining which agency should cover specific supports can be complex. 2. **Support Coordinators Caught in the Middle:** Support coordinators often find themselves caught in the crossfire. They must navigate the intricacies of multiple funding streams while ensuring participants receive the right supports at the right time. 3. **False Allegations:** Unfortunately, some support coordinators face false allegations when they advocate for proper funding allocation. These allegations can harm their professional reputation and financial stability. **The Impact:** - **Loss of Income:** When support coordinators advocate for cross-funded supports, they risk losing income due to disagreements with other agencies. Their commitment to participant well-being sometimes comes at a personal cost. - **Participant Experience:** Participants may experience delays or gaps in services due to funding disputes. This impacts their quality of life and ability to achieve their goals. **The Way Forward:** 1. **Clear Guidelines:** We need clearer guidelines on which agency should fund specific supports. Collaboration between agencies is essential to avoid duplication and ensure efficient use of resources. 2. **Education and Training:** Support coordinators should receive training on cross-funding scenarios, conflict resolution, and effective communication. This empowers them to advocate confidently for participants. 3. **Digital Solutions:** An innovative digital system could facilitate early complaint resolution and streamline communication between agencies. Such a system would enhance the participant experience and reduce administrative burden. **Let's Collaborate:** 🤝 As a community, let's work together to address these challenges. Support coordinators, agencies, and participants deserve a seamless experience where funding decisions prioritize participant well-being. 📣 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. How can we improve cross-funding processes and support coordination? #NDIS #SupportCoordination #CrossFunding #ParticipantWellBeing

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If you’re looking for a summary and analysis of the proposed changes to the NDIS, hopefully you’ll find our Explainer helpful

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The recommended system  Tier 0 – Purchase visibility: No registration requirements are needed and applies only to goods purchased from retailers, such as ramps from hardware stores, where no support is provided to the participant. Authorities would have visibility over this via real-time purchasing arrangements.  Tier 1 – Basic registration: Worker screening not needed. Subject to complaints process and must report incidents. This tier is for those providing lower-risk supports, such as sole traders and those with limited one-on-one contact with people with disability.  Tier 2 – Self-directed registration: This would apply to participants or their guardians who directly contract all their supports, such as service for one arrangements. Workers don’t have to register, but the participant or self-director will.  Tier 3 – General registration: Worker screening needed. This tier is subject to the complaints process and must report incidents. It could apply to providers offering supports that require skill and training, such as complex bowel care or injections, and those involving significant one-on-one contact with people with disability.  Tier 4 – Advanced registration: Worker screening needed. This tier is also subject to the complaints process and must report incidents. It could include those offering supports and services in high-risk settings or in closed settings like group homes.  Source: NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce Report 

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The #NDIS Bill is #RoboDebt expanded. Read on. 👇👇👇 The #JSCNDIS report on the #Capability and #Culture of the #NDIA, found that the concept of primary disability was inconsistent with the governing legislation - ie unlawful - that it was discriminatory, and a creation by the agency for *ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE*. What an accomplishment by the *disability agency*. When this finding was made, the #NDISReview was cornered - effectively forced to recommend a “whole of person” approach. Sounds good, but not so easy as it turns out. A pity many of us who knew this, weren’t listened to. So then the #NDIA figured out something we all knew - that it’s IMPOSSIBLE to disentangle the primary disability design from all the systems, processes, and #ActuarialModel. So much for the “new” 4 year old #PACE system, not yet delivered, fundamentally defective, and being looked at by #NACC and #ANAO. Checkout my #JSCNDIS submission: 👇👇👇 https://lnkd.in/dDekWjrG The #NDIS Bill persists with the fiction of “primary disability” - even though the #NDISReview recommended “whole person” be considered. Having this in the #NDIS Bill means the #NDIA doesnt have to change on that front, and bingo, makes what was unlawful, lawful. The #NDIS Bill will explicitly say you can’t spend funding on anything unrelated to your primary disability. Try to untangle that. This Bill prevents you choosing support or AT that will best fits your needs as a *whole* plus it will be considered a debt if you do, not just something the #NDIS disagrees with. The agency will then immediately do 2 things: (1) immediately invoke the more info requirement - this is super easy for the agency to do - don’t comply, you’re out; and then (2) raise robodebts on anything not related to the listed primary disability - onus on the participant to prove otherwise. And just like that, with #RoboNDIS + expanded #RoboDebt, the “sustainability” projections are “fixed” - as people with disabilities now totally unsupported by the #NDIS will be forced into the waiting arms of hospitals for accommodation and supports. We told you so. Look out for my post this coming Friday, where I talk about the weaponisation #CoDesign. Robondis.org #SmokeAndMirrors Lucy Beaumont Mark Toomey Karen Kline Graham Taylor Mark Sweeney Tony Ridley, MSc CSyP FSyI SRMCP Samantha Connor Nick Avery Muriel Cummins Georgia van Toorn Shirley Humphris Peter Gregory David Pocock Jordon Steele-John Monique Ryan Zoe Daniel MP InnovationAus.com Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Rick Morton

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Artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) technologies can find income sources where previously there were none by capturing the data organisations need to make a strong business case for grant applications. https://lnkd.in/g-cq6CX9 Council Magazine #councils #grants

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This recent report from R/GA has some compelling insights for the government on the evolving expectations of digital channels and services. As younger Australians, particularly "Gen One," express a growing distaste for chatbots, the implications of new AI-driven search practices are coming to the forefront. How will these technologies reshape the public sector's approach to digital engagement, and can they bridge the growing disconnect between government services and Australia's largest demographic? These questions are becoming increasingly urgent as digital natives set new standards for online interactions. The report calls for a radical redesign of digital services, emphasising trust, privacy, and personalised experiences to better connect with this tech-savvy generation. For more details, check the full report https://lnkd.in/gYqjE57d.

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Data and Digital Ministers have agreed on a set of nationally consistent approaches to the safe and ethical use of AI in government projects and programs https://lnkd.in/gSnmV8au #AI #gov #Aus

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This week, Ministers Katy Gallagher and Ed Husic MP announced the policy for the responsible use of AI in government. Coming into effect 1 September 2024, the policy aims to build public trust by encouraging responsible choices across the APS. The launch of this policy is the result of months of hard work from my talented colleagues at the Digital Transformation Agency and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. There's plenty more to come but I really wish to thank and congratulate: Lauren Mills, Anthony Murfett, Johnny Chong, Angus Clark, Menz Bianca, Cameron Cooke, Matt Jodlowski, Kyle Bassett, Evan Hill, Garrett Kelly, Slavomir Kucharski, Hew Sandison, Stephanie Mittiga, Tobiko Huho, Bidisha Sarkar, Ben Leech, James Fehon, David Auricht, Emily Farrell, Paul Joice, John Morrison, Amber Fletcher, Tristan Kalnins-Cole, Simon Noble, Sarita Moore, Jessica Carew GAICD, Adrian Waddy, Marek Rucinski, Nick Woodruff, Jacqueline Barr, Rachel Antone, Pia Andrews, Margaret Tregurtha, and Roman Kovalenko for their dedication and support. I also extend my thanks to the many more who supported the AI taskforce and its consultation forums, including the agencies and departments that participated in the AI Steering Committee and Working Group. You have all meaningfully contributed to shaping the government’s response to the rapid evolution of AI technologies. Read more about the AI in government policy on the blog below.

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The Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC) has launched the Australian Internet Observatory (AIO), a major new #research facility that will open the ‘black box’ of digital platforms and their algorithms so we can better understand how people use search engines, social media, messaging systems, and other digital services. AIO Program Lead and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S), RMIT Distinguished Professor Julian Thomas, said digital platforms play a critical role in Australia’s economy and society, yet our capacities to collect and analyse data from digital platforms and observe their activities is very limited. “Over the past decade, there’s been a dramatic transformation in how Australians use digital platforms, how they interact with the automated systems and the digital economy, and how they communicate with machines and each other,” he said.  “Every day, we are now using more platforms, more intensively, for a wider range of activities. But as researchers we’ve had very little visibility of how digital platforms work.” The initiative supports innovative approaches to the collection and analysis of digital social data and internet platforms and the analytical tools and governance required to support cutting-edge research on social, economic, health and environmental issues. The AIO is an initiative of the ADM+S Centre and led by RMIT University in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology, The University of Queensland, QUT (Queensland University of Technology), University of Melbourne and Deakin University, enabled by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gV7XavK3 Amanda Lawrence

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Read our insights from the CEDA AI Leadership Summit, including leadership evolution, responsible AI, people empowerment and value acceleration: https://lnkd.in/gU-kuNXb

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"While over 94% of surveyed Australian public sector organisations have a well-defined #datastrategy, more than half (53%) admit that their strategy is not widely understood, hindering implementation." (Driving Data in the APAC Public Sector: Balancing Governance and Innovation - Research Link in Comments) It's a common challenge faced by many Australian and State Government departments and Local Councils: the sheer volume and diversity of data sources often make data quality and integration a complex task. Can you relate to this? Toustone is committed to addressing these #data challenges through our Government Data Services. We’ve already assisted numerous Government departments and organisations by: ✅ Supporting comprehensive data project management ✅ Helping organisations streamline their disparate data sources ✅ Addressing data skills shortages We have recently launched our landing page tailored to the needs of government entities and have included three case studies: https://lnkd.in/gGt9mm8p Or, if you prefer to talk, feel free to schedule a quick 15-minute call with our team. #GovernmentData

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The Australian Government' has recently published their evaluation findings and recommendations following their trial of Microsoft 365 Copilot. Many recommendations and findings met my expectations, in that it takes time and resource to implement well, and there is a perceived improvement in staff efficiency when using generative AI - with 1 in 3 using daily. The unintended outcomes from the trial highlighted areas which require further consideration and development to address opportunities and concerns, including; • Generative AI could improve inclusivity and accessibility in the workplace particularly for people who are neurodiverse, with disability or from a culturally and linguistically diverse background. • Copilot outputs may be biased towards western norms and may not appropriately use cultural data and information such as misusing First Nations images and misspelling First Nations words. Read more 👇 https://lnkd.in/ew62Ri4j

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This is definitely a top-of mind issue for those of us who are public servants working in tech/data (or at least for those of us with job security at the moment!) Posting reckons on LinkedIn is great, but discussing things face to face with those in the know is even better... so I'd encourage you all to check out this year's GOVIS conference, coming up in August and with early bird closing soon https://lnkd.in/gXdBiADJ Here are some of the questions we are looking at: - What can government learn about using administrative data to assess impact? - How can we reuse proven open source technology to build our digital public infrastructure? - How is Aotearoa New Zealand charting its course in the global race to govern AI?

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Cultural change is critical to success in all professions but particularly as we embrace technology, digital and data and the benefits and opportunities that will be delivered. You are part of the cultural change opportunity in your organisation, so are you embracing data and digital to help improve your service delivery? As a planner it is great to see the Planning Institute of Australia release these new PlanTech resources. The first document of its kind to be tailored to planners, by planners, the guideline introduces practical and well-tested approaches to digital innovation. Each section addresses common cultural and technical challenges faced when getting started with digital innovation, including strategies to get your team on board with doing something new and how to establish a healthy relationship with software vendors. Embracing change is important if we want our profession to thrive and grow. These are resources well worth examining. #plantech #embracingchange #culturalchange #betteroutcomes #data #digital #planning #betterfutures #bettercities #smartcities #improvedprocess #digitisation #engagement #consultation #projectdelivery #betterplanning https://lnkd.in/geXzuA9T

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Awesome free team-based discussion activities from the ATO shared for anyone to use on the important topic of #Integrity here thanks to the Australian Public Service Commission's APS Academy: https://lnkd.in/gzGgJkJb Building a pro-integrity #Culture through ensuring awareness of integrity and #Accountability in the workplace is important. The Australian Taxation Office's ‘One Habit at a Time’ program contains individual reflection, and team-based discussion activities focussing on 5 habits which the APS Academy says are key to making positive changes in the way we all work together, as one APS: "Focusing on changing everyday #Habits, one at a time, gives the opportunity to practice new ways of thinking and working together until it becomes part of our routine and our culture. The ‘Own it’ habit highlights the important role leaders play in role modelling the right behaviours and creating an environment where people feel safe and empowered to also own their actions, outcomes, mistakes, and behaviours." The self-serve #Resources equip #Leaders with simple yet practical activities including conversation starters and fun reflection an deeper activities designed to generate team conversations to support them to bring to life the empowered and trusted ‘Own It’ cultural trait through everyday behaviours and habits. Adjustable for your own organisational context. Thanks ATO, APS Academy and APSC for this useful resource! We'll be applying it in our upcoming team engagements in the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) And if you've not seen it - I highly recommend the "Louder than words: an APS Integrity Action Plan" here https://lnkd.in/gjpEpdEJ #Leadership #PublicAdministration #APS #Innovation #TeamEffectiveness #OurAPS #APSAcademy IPAA ACT Institute of Public Administration Australia Photo below: sourced from the Integrity Framework of Pony Club Aust.

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