In other public sector ICT and digital news for 5 October 2021:

• Adobe has scored a $32,323,500, three-year contract with the Federal Government to provide core technology components for the ‘enhanced’ version of myGov.
• Melissa Price and Angus Taylor will take on new responsibilities following the recent cabinet reshuffle, which saw the industry portfolio split in two. Price will now oversee science and technology, and Taylor is now in charge of industry.
• The government has published a draft for the Trusted Digital Identity Bill, which will expand the federated digital identity system to state and territory governments, as well as the private sector. The draft is open for feedback until 27 October.
• Some recent major public sector appointments include:
  • Christopher Fechner as the new CEO of the Digital Transformation Agency;
  • William Story as First Assistant Secretary at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet;
  • Paula Brewer as Chief People Officer at the National Indigenous Australians Agency; and
  • Jonathan Bray as Assistant Secretary at the Department of Health

• Services Australia CEO Rebecca Skinner has announced that Australians will be allowed to travel internationally within two to three weeks when the government plans to release the digital vaccination certificate. The certificate will be accessible through the MedicareExpress Plus app. Those wishing to travel must consent to share their immunisation history with the Australian Passport Office.
• Sydney Trains has unveiled its new network of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to prevent trespassers from entering train tunnels. The new tech has already helped to catch seven trespassers.
• Victoria has begun trialling facial recognition and geolocation technology to oversee home quarantine. Participation in the program is voluntary. Users will be required to download an application and photograph themselves upon request to ensure their identities and locations are validated.
• Koala Life conservationists and researchers from Flinders University are using drones and facial recognition technology to count and identify koalas across South Australia. The technology is designed to monitor the koala’s numbers, movements and behaviours.