"Where a solution doesn't exist we hope to generate open source [solutions] around this. Instead of buying boxes we will spend more on buying people [and] a small company could communicate with the whole of government instead of all the agencies."

That said, Edgecumbe conceded there will be a reduction in ICT personnel and contracts to the tune of about A$20 million a year over four years.

NSW Commerce Minister John Della Bosca said the plan has a vision of four years and beyond and is labelled "People First", because it is about more money and more resources and greater focus on frontline services.

"There will be better linkage between community support and less emphasis on spending money on e-mail and payroll systems," Della Bosca said. "People are using the Internet for online services, and People First will ensure government departments operate in new environment."