Ms Maria Graham:

The Senator will be glad to hear the pilot projects on e-planning have advanced so we might get an update to the committee. We are working through local authorities and the vast majority will be done this year. The board is advancing well on the ICT.

The Senator is correct that there were things we were able to do to advance some of that work through Covid, such as bringing regulations in about the requirement to put up planning applications within five days. One phase is e-planning, which is a front-end piece. Our chief information officer is looking at the future digitalisation and Mr. Hogan's team does a lot with geospatial mapping.

The Chair mentioned marine planning. The team is proud of the fact they think they are the first Civil Service department that had a webinar through Covid. It was tremendous because in that instance, fishermen on boats were able to participate in the public consultation, which was not feasible in a hall.

I was listening on a conference with local government people from Australia this morning. We were talking about the advantages of that for older or disabled people or those who cannot leave their houses to be able to engage more. There is a lot we can do and we need to make sure the legislation provides for equality of e-platforms, as well as in person. We will bear that in mind as we move through.