Latest news with #DepartmentofGovernmentServices
The Age
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Age
Bots to help fill Victoria's budget hole: State hopes AI can slash costs
Artificial intelligence and automation will be a cornerstone of the Victorian government's $3.3 billion cost-slashing plan as Treasurer Jaclyn Symes pledges to free up public servants from repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Symes told budget estimates hearings last week that automation and new technology would be key ways the government looks to make savings and create a more efficient public service. Asked if this meant losing jobs to AI, Symes said she 'probably' wouldn't characterise it like that. 'We're not replacing humans with robots but we are certainly looking at efficiencies with technologies and ensuring that people can do their job as effectively as possible,' she said. 'In relation to the opportunities with AI, the ability for people to be assisted to do their job, I think there are some great opportunities in that respect. 'I know the Department of Government Services is leading the way in that regard. Freeing up people from repetitive tasks so they can really target their work into the things that matter most to the Victorian community, I think, is worthwhile work to do.' The AI efficiency push comes after the government pledged to make $3.3 billion – the equivalent of 1200 jobs – in public sector savings over the forward estimates in last month's budget. Symes has conceded the government is far too large and the state's more than 500 entities and 3400 boards and committees need to be scaled back. The State Revenue Office already uses AI to detect unpaid taxes and fraud, while staff also use the tools to process 'routine administrative tasks' like meeting transcripts. The new digital revamp will initially focus on making licensing and other government approvals smoother and faster, as well as fast-tracking students with prior experience through TAFE courses. The Community and Public Sector Union has warned the government against using AI as a tool to cut costs and jobs, saying it should only enhance public servants' work.
Sydney Morning Herald
15 hours ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Bots to help fill Victoria's budget hole: State hopes AI can slash costs
Artificial intelligence and automation will be a cornerstone of the Victorian government's $3.3 billion cost-slashing plan as Treasurer Jaclyn Symes pledges to free up public servants from repetitive and time-consuming tasks. Symes told budget estimates hearings last week that automation and new technology would be key ways the government looks to make savings and create a more efficient public service. Asked if this meant losing jobs to AI, Symes said she 'probably' wouldn't characterise it like that. 'We're not replacing humans with robots but we are certainly looking at efficiencies with technologies and ensuring that people can do their job as effectively as possible,' she said. 'In relation to the opportunities with AI, the ability for people to be assisted to do their job, I think there are some great opportunities in that respect. 'I know the Department of Government Services is leading the way in that regard. Freeing up people from repetitive tasks so they can really target their work into the things that matter most to the Victorian community, I think, is worthwhile work to do.' The AI efficiency push comes after the government pledged to make $3.3 billion – the equivalent of 1200 jobs – in public sector savings over the forward estimates in last month's budget. Symes has conceded the government is far too large and the state's more than 500 entities and 3400 boards and committees need to be scaled back. The State Revenue Office already uses AI to detect unpaid taxes and fraud, while staff also use the tools to process 'routine administrative tasks' like meeting transcripts. The new digital revamp will initially focus on making licensing and other government approvals smoother and faster, as well as fast-tracking students with prior experience through TAFE courses. The Community and Public Sector Union has warned the government against using AI as a tool to cut costs and jobs, saying it should only enhance public servants' work.
