The internet has irreversibly changed the way we access information and services. Online service delivery is now an integral part of government business, allowing us to expand the range of services we offer clients.

The Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) formed a working group to conduct a national audit of online services to identify opportunities for cost savings and to improve online services through better interstate coordination.

The working group was led by Queensland, and included representatives from state governments and CSIRO.

The project reviewed online services that were hosted on primary industries' agency websites. It identified 254 products that used the internet to deliver services to industries. These products focused on eight key themes across industry sectors:

• business development and management
• farm management
• breeding/genetics
• food/nutrition
• industry regulation
• resource management
• biosecurity (including welfare)
• industry communications.

Top 10 online products

Ten products were selected as examples of the most innovative online products and services. These products could be adapted for other industry sectors.

• Forestry Tasmania - Facebook
• Mast Television - video streaming
• vegiefinder - Google maps mashup
• CropWaterUse - interactive decision support tool
• Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) - Wiki
• iBrands - interactive database
• Partner with CSIRO - portal
• Winter crop variety sowing guide 2010 - software download
• Australian Plague Locusts - file sharing
• Seeds Online - automated service delivery.

The 'National audit of online services report' includes summaries of the full list of products and services identified in each sector.