Govt spends $42m upgrading its website

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Govt-spends-42m-upgrading-its-website/2007/05/03/1177788255624.html

The federal government will spend $42 million upgrading its website so that internet users can create personalised accounts.

The changes, announced in Sydney by Special Minister of State Gary Nairn, will allow users to create an account and log in to australia.gov.au to access federal government services.

"This initiative will put Australia at the forefront of international e-government development," Mr Nairn said.

The changes will not be implemented on the website until December 2008.

Mr Nairn said the overhaul was in response to feedback from internet users who found it frustrating and time-consuming having to repeatedly enter personal information to access government services.

The government has moved recently to delete references to "federal government" in its literature, preferring instead to use the softer sounding "Australian government".