The internet has become ‘well established’ as the preferred means for communicating with government agencies and accessing government services, according to a study commissioned and released by Special Minister of State Gary Gray.

 

The report about Australians’ use of e-Government Services shows that the internet, when available as an option, is the most commonly used channel to contact government.

 

“When the internet is an option, in 2011 nearly half of Australians (47 per cent) used it in their most recent contact with government,” Mr Gray said. “Nearly half (46 per cent) also said they preferred the internet over other forms of contact.

 

“The research also found there has been significant growth in the use of mobile phones and similar portable devices to access websites.”

 

Mr Gray said the Government began a series of six surveys in 2005, when 19 per cent of Australians used the internet for their most recent contact with Government.

 

Interacting with Government ‑ Australians' use and satisfaction with e‑government services 2011 is available athttp://www.finance.gov.au/publications/interacting-with-government-2011/index.html.