By Andy Young, editor TheShout
In a first for Australia, Liquor & Gaming NSW and Service NSW has partnered to deliver free and secure digital RSA and RCG cards.
The partnership now means that more than 450,000 workers in NSW’s liquor and gaming industries are able to apply for digital licences using the new ‘My Licences’ digital wallet in the latest version of the Service NSW app. Digital licences are strictly optional, with physical licence cards to remain available for all licence holders.
Understandably security has been a major focus in developing the digital licence platform with multi-tiered security features, similar to those used in phone banking, being used. Licence data is securely stored in the user’s MyServiceNSW account, housed in the NSW Government’s data centre, GovDC.
Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet said the launch marked a quantum leap in government technology.
“NSW is leading the nation in government technology, and the number one reason is that we are determined to offer the best services to make life easier for the people of NSW,” Perrottet said.
“If you carry a smartphone in your pocket and you’re looking forward to a wallet-free future, digital licences make so much sense – they’re easily accessible, safe and secure, and it’s one less thing to stuff in your wallet.
“You can renew your licence and update your details with the click of a button, and there’s no need to visit a Service NSW centre or wait for something in the post. It’s all about saving time and making life easier, and these three licences are just the beginning.”
Digital licences can be sighted just like physical licences, and authorities can also verify whether a digital licence is current or has conditions using a purpose-built checker app. Users who choose to carry only a digital version of their licence must ensure their device remains charged and accessible, although digital licences can also be accessed on another smartphone or tablet by securely signing into the Service NSW App.
Digital licences are optional, with physical licence cards to remain available for all licence holders.
