This article was first published in GovTech Review.

In an era of rapidly advancing technology, Australians have set a high bar for their digital interactions, demanding impactful solutions that genuinely enhance their daily lives. However, especially in the last 12-18 months, a landscape of (dis)trust in the government has emerged amongst Australians, particularly around advancing and emerging technologies. Forrester found that less than one in three (28 per cent) of Australians trust the federal government, while just over one in three (35 per cent) trust their state government.

For government organisations, the key to success lies in fostering trust and recognising that engaged citizens are more likely to place their faith in the government's capabilities. To bridge the existing trust deficit, collaboration becomes imperative. Achieving this equation is simple yet profound: security, privacy, transparency, and accessibility are the foundational elements that balance this delicate equation. However, the resilience of services must not be overlooked, as trust painstakingly built can be swiftly eroded by experiences that fail to meet expectations.

Enhancing the citizen experience
Communication and trust go hand-in-hand and considering the fact that Australians would trust government agencies that communicate clearly, there is a clear need for collaboration. The question lies in how citizens can be involved in the process of developing federal services.

Moreover, as the digitalisation wave surges ahead, it is vital to bridge the tech gap, guaranteeing that no citizen is left behind. By building resilient and secure services that enhance the citizen experience, trust can be fortified. While technology acts as the conduit for citizen experiences, the public sector must maintain a delicate equilibrium among people, process, technology, data, and policy. These parts cannot work on their own; legislation will not be effective unless it enables innovation, and organisations cannot effectively drive innovation unless they know what the citizen is looking for.

Citizens are not looking for flashy or shiny solutions – they want convenience, personalisation, empathy, and seamlessness, so the trick is to focus on how to drive innovation that meets their expectations and needs; we do this by bringing them along the innovation journey with us. When that balance is achieved, trust is established that the technology will work and that it’s going to work for the people they are meant to serve – citizens.

We’ve seen the government introduce digital services, from Centrelink’s Robodebt scheme to the Health Department’s My Health Record, to varying levels of success and intense citizen scrutiny. But what is clear is that there is a demand for services that make their lives simpler. Especially as we enter the age of artificial intelligence (AI), it presents a wealth of opportunities to streamline process and provide personalised experiences.

Fostering trust in the digital age
To nurture trust, especially in the digital age, governments must address critical factors in the digital realm. The strategy is straightforward – show, not tell, citizens that the product or service is secure, private, transparent, and accessible.

Breaking down the data-sharing chasm is crucial for fostering trust and driving innovation. Effective data sharing has the potential to drive significant benefits across government agencies and the private sector, leading to improved public services and greater efficiency. On the other hand, citizens need to have confidence that their data will be handled responsibly and used for legitimate purposes. Transparent communication about data collection, storage, and usage practices is essential to assuage concerns and build trust. This requires robust frameworks, trust-building, and prioritising privacy and security.

Accessibility and inclusivity are vital parts of the trust equation. It involves designing and delivering services and products that are tailored to meet the unique requirements of different communities and ensuring equal access and opportunities for all citizens. It is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic approach for governments seeking to build trust and deliver a holistic citizen experience.

Lastly, the responsible and ethical collection and use of data are paramount. Governments must establish robust data protection measures to safeguard citizen data. Citizens must be assured that their data is safeguarded against cyber threats and breaches, with clear demonstrations of robust security measures. Transparency about the type of data being collected, the purpose for which it is being used, and any third parties with whom it may be shared can also make or break trust.

Building trust isn’t a one-off. When lost, it often can be a losing battle to win it back. Building a citizen-centric ecosystem requires a delicate balance between technology and human touch, with data privacy and accessibility serving as crucial pillars. While it can be tricky to create the right equation that will instil trust, the benefits are immense. It will enable governments to implement more efficient programs, achieve enhanced policy outcomes, increase civic engagement, economic stability and growth, and ultimately, improve public services.

Find out how Avanade is enabling client to innovate citizen services with its digital government and public sector solutions.