Clever Networks Program Background
Positioned to make a difference
The Clever Networks program is delivering focused and sustainable long term solutions by bringing a strategic approach to underserviced areas and by using new technologies to maximise existing services.
The Clever Networks program is focussed on taking advantage of the transformative capabilities offered by broadband to deliver services to regional, rural and remote communities of Australia.
By supporting the implementation and expansion of services such as tele-medicine, e-learning, infrastructure roll-outs and community education programs outside of urbanised areas, there is real potential to improve social and economic outcomes for communities.
For example, health projects in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia will enable a more portable electronic medical record across institutions and jurisdictions improving health outcomes for all Australians.
The Broadband Development Network, which covers all states and territories, is proving a valuable tool for developing better approaches to enhance understanding, access to, and use of broadband, in regional Australia.
The program is scheduled to conclude by June 2010 and is tracking well to deliver projects with significant potential for future propagation or leverage, either in whole or in part. The projects facilitate cross-portfolio and whole-of-government opportunities in the health, education, government and community services and emergency services sectors.
Building on Broadband, an initiative of the Clever Networks program, will leverage suitable successful Innovative Services Delivery initiatives by extending into other jurisdictions and service sectors.
Strategic service delivery
The Clever Networks program is delivering services by:
- adopting a strategic approach to the delivery of essential government services for regional, remote and rural Australians
- ensuring engagement at all levels of government through participative working partnerships
- sharing expertise to improve project management, progress and performance
- implementing sound and transparent contract and management arrangements
- requiring third-party access, on fair terms, to new infrastructure
- leveraging learnings, successes and applications across projects, sectors and jurisdictions
- instilling sound program evaluation to effectively measure and demonstrate the impact of projects.
Strategically significant
Services and benefits provided by the Clever Networks program to rural, regional and remote Australians include:
- creating new markets for business and new jobs
- enabling those living and working in these areas to pursue further education and training while remaining in their communities
- providing more convenient access to specialised medical services enabling patients to stay in their communities or return home from hospital sooner
- addressing current deficiencies and interoperability barriers in emergency communications in both the government and non-government sectors, including volunteer groups
- addressing economic and social needs of indigenous communities.
