MyGov set for major changes that every Australian needs to know about

Registration of births and deaths, access to your driver’s licence and enrolling to vote are just some of the new features expected in a major revamp of the government services portal, MyGov. 

The government has flagged the changes along with a huge funding boost following an expert panel review into the much-maligned service led by former Telstra executive, David Thodey.

MyGov has experienced a boom in user numbers and online activity since the Covid pandemic with more Australians using government services online.

More than 25million Australians have a MyGov account, with 1.4million people using the website everyday and daily usage tripling in the past five years.

An expert panel review into MyGov has highlighted a series of changes to improve the government services website (stock image)

The review included a survey that discovered 75 per cent of Aussies felt MyGov – notoriously difficult to log into – needed improvements.

A series of recommendations have been highlighted in a report, which has been handed to the Albanese government. 

The findings propose the Commonwealth work closely with state and territory governments to bring more services to MyGov so Australians have access to more services in a single online location.

New features recommended in the report include registering births and deaths, providing assistance for people in responding to natural disasters and better access to services related to drivers licences, Medicare cards, seniors cards, occupational licences and other forms of ID.

It was also suggested that the government look into allowing people to enrol to vote, renew their passport or complete the census through MyGov.

Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said the changes in the report would be considered by the Albanese government over the coming months. 

‘It’s a matter for negotiating with our comrades-in-arms at the state governments, and getting various federal departments on board,’ he said.

‘This (report) is the blueprint, and what we want to do – what I would like to do – over the next 12 months is articulate a calendar where we can start dropping cards in.’

Government services minister Bill Shorten (left) said the commonwealth would consider the recommendations outlined in the report that was led by former Telstra executive, David Thodey (right)

The report also suggested increased funding for MyGov, recommending a budget of $132million per year.

Mr Shorten said this significant funding boost could be in the federal government’s May budget.

He stressed that the service urgently required additional funding to sufficiently operate going forward. 

Access to the Medicare card is expected to be introduced to the MyGov app in March.