By Barbara Grundy *
According to a recent survey of all Australian Councils, the development of electronic commerce and online services will be a priority for over 80 percent of respondents in the next 12 months.
The survey was commissioned by the Business Entry Point Management Branch in the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business, and the Australian Local Government Association. Conducted by Dow Digital Pty Ltd, the survey attracted over 300 responses and was aimed at gauging the level of understanding and use of e commerce and the Internet among Councils.
The results show a wide range of understanding and use in these areas, which is not really surprising given the diversity of Councils across Australia. The survey found that over 50 percent of Councils have their own websites, that are mostly used to provide text based services or to allow for electronic submission of documents. And while most Councils use an email system, in 60 percent of Councils less than half their staff have an email address.
Less than three percent of Councils use their web sites to accept electronic payments. However, although Councils see implementation costs as being the greatest obstacle to implementing e commerce solutions, 83 percent plan to develop e commerce or financial transaction facilities in the next 12 months.
Services such as building approvals, community information and notices, library services and hall hire are the most common services being considered for electronic commerce and online delivery. The good news for these Councils is that enhancements to Business Entry Point (www.business.gov.au), now and in the future, will create solutions to some of the problems they face in going online, as well as providing real benefits.
The recent establishment of the Internet Payments Panel means that expert information and advice is more readily available to Councils looking to move online. Information has been developed by the Panel about security of Internet payment systems and is available to help Councils understand the risks and to develop low-risk approaches to Internet payments. The Panel can also provide products and services to help Councils develop complete solutions to implementing Internet payment systems.
Use of the Internet to provide services to clients brings the benefits of being able to provide clear and accurate information, and a fast, effective service. The electronic receipt and processing of applications can help to reduce processing times and costs, as well as increasing the speed of data flows.
Clearly, these benefits, combined with reduced transaction costs resulting from increased use of electronic commerce, add up to a sound business case for Councils to move online.
Facilities provided through Business Entry Point enable businesses to deal more effectively with government and have the potential to improve interactions between Councils and their clients, providing cost benefits to both parties. Business Entry Point can provide the blocks for Councils to begin building a secure, practical environment to capitalise on the benefits of e commerce and electronic service delivery.
You can hear more about Business Entry Point and how it is assisting Councils develop online services at the IT ’99 – Local Government Conference and Expo in Coffs Harbour 20&endash;22 October. Paul Griffin from the Business Entry Point Management Branch will be speaking about the latest developments on Business Entry Point, including demonstration projects being developed with selected Councils. For more information about the Conference contact Coffs Harbour City Council.
For more information about how Business Entry Point can help your Council, contact Paul Griffin on (02) 6121 7175. Information about registering information with Business Entry Point and other ways in which Local Governments can participate in the initiative is also available on an accompanying web site at about.business.gov.au. Information about the Internet Payments Panel is available at about.business.gov.au/ipp.
*Barbara Grundy is Marketing Officer with the Business Entry Point Branch.
Click here to visit the Business Entry Point web site
