State budget sees millions being spent and cyber security.
The South Australian Government plans to further investments in its technology sector, as well as cyber security.
The State Budget 2021-22 includes investments in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Health Hub, to be delivered through an A$1.6 million investment over four years, including A$985,000 in grants to AI and health technology companies to foster innovation through matching co-funding for health application pilots, and A$589,000 to deliver project support activities, including investment concierge services.
The South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM) will receive an additional A$7.7m for the full rollout and ongoing support of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology.
Vincent Tarzia Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services of South Australia said AVL allows real-time tracking of trucks on the fireground and forms part of the Marshall Government’s response to the Independent Review (Keelty Review) into South Australia’s 2019-20 Bushfire Season. The previous State Budget provided A$5m to commence the initiative.
“AVL technology increases situational awareness on the fireground and safety for those who risk their lives to protect South Australians,” Minister Tarzia said. “This technology has been needed for a long time and the Marshall Government is proud to deliver this capability which is another step towards futureproofing the state against bushfires.” Adelaide’s north will benefit with A$100,000 towards planning and design work for a new joint Country Fire Service (CFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) facility at Willaston. To increase volunteer numbers at the SES more than A$4m over five years will be spent to attract new members.
The State 2021-22 also includes a A$2.6 million investment for digital and cyber security systems, said Minister for Skills and Innovation David Pisoni.
“As South Australian businesses shift more of their operations online the improvement of digital and cyber security becomes absolutely critical,” he said. “Cyber criminals have cleaned out companies bank accounts, accessed the private details of their customers and maliciously destroyed small businesses entire computer systems.
According to Pisoni cyber criminals have committed theft, fraud, blackmail, extortion and malicious damage against both small businesses and their customers. “The most effective means for small businesses to protect themselves from cyber-attack is to develop their digital and cyber security capabilities.
The program also assists in developing small business capabilities to export into the national trade market. The State Budget 2021-22 also contains a A$68.9 million investment in South Australia’s nation leading jobs training system and A$4 million for apprentice and trainee payroll tax exemptions to ensure we have the skills needed to drive accelerating economic and jobs growth. The Budget extends the 12-month payroll tax exemption for wages paid to eligible trainees and apprentices who commence a new relevant training contract, entered into up to June 30, next year.
