Y2K budget boosted

The State Government has allocated an extra $133.5 million to prepare the Victorian public sector against the Millennium Bug.

The extra money brings to $480 million the amount specifically applied to ensure government departments and agencies are protected against the effects of Y2K.

The Minister for Finance, Roger Hallam, who has responsibility for Y2K compliance across State Government agencies, has also released the first monthly public update on Y2K progress in the government sector.

The report shows the level of preparedness and contingency plans in place for all 28 portfolios and 350 agency groups. It includes all utilities — including the privatised power companies, who last year agreed to participate in government reporting.

Mr Hallam said the Government has a duty of care to preserve and provide essential services such as utilities, health services, law and order; including protecting them against problems when computers’ clocks tick over from 1999 to 2000.

The problem may extend to computer-operated systems such as air conditioning, traffic controls, elevators and other regularly used equipment.

The $133.5-million allocation will be provided within existing State Budget calculations and not affect the surplus position.

The Victorian Government had been working since 1996 to identify and measure the problem and plan for contingencies in the event of disrupted services.

The Government’s Y2K Risk Management Unit has developed the rigorous reporting process, Victory 2000+, to monitor progress across the government sector and produce monthly reports for Cabinet.

The reporting process comprises more than 1000 reporting points, including local government organisations and Victoria’s privatised power industry; and covers almost 40,000 business-critical systems related to the provision of services.

"On the basis of Cabinet reports so far, most agencies are meeting the challenge and are ahead or on compliance targets," the Minister said.

The first report released by the State Government is available on the Internet at www.y2k.dsd.vic.gov.au

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Finance, March 30, 1999)