SOFTWARE BUGBEAR
Council CEO defends computer system contract
CAIRNS Regional Council has defended signing a 10-year deal to install a new software package. Technology One has done similar programs for other councils, but two councils have complained of issues.
THE company that has entered into a contract with Cairns Regional Council to roll out a new computer system has had one of its products described in New Zealand as a “business risk”.
But Cairns Regional Council’s chief executive has assured the public TechnologyOne’s products have proven to be a “reliable and effective” software solution for local government.
The council last fortnight inked a 10-year deal with the Brisbane-based company to install a state-of-the-art software package known as OneCouncil, to streamline its operations. The cost of the deal has not yet been made public, with the council citing a commercial-in-confidence agreement with the company.
It is understood, however, that the tender is worth several millions of dollars.
TechnologyOne has introduced similar software to other councils across Australia and New Zealand.
However, there have been issues reported at two other councils, including Brisbane City Council, which terminated its contract with TechnologyOne last year.
The company was contracted by council for $50 million in June 2015 to roll 13 council systems into one platform.
Fairfax reported that the council chose to part ways with the software provider due to “persistent and ongoing contract breaches, significant and unacceptable delays in progressing the contract, and a complete loss of faith in the company’s ability to deliver a replacement system for Council’s IT systems”.
Last year, auditors for Wellington City Council reportedly described the rollout of TechnologyOne’s software for the council’s unified platform as a “business risk”.
According to NZ’s Dominion Post, when the computer program was first rolled out in 2016, businesses supplying services to the council were left unpaid after the system neglected to pay their bills.
Cairns Regional Council chief executive John Andrejic said TechnologyOne had been selected following a competitive tender process.
“Through this process, it was determined that a 10-year arrangement was financially advantageous and more reflective of the expected term of the relationship,” he said.
“Council will be implementing tried-and-tested products that are already being used by around 300 other councils Australia-wide. OneCouncil has proven to be a reliable and effective software solution for local government use.”
Mr Andrejic said the council would enter into a detailed planning phase with a threeyear rollout. “The cost of the project will be disclosed following the detailed design phase and finalisation of all contractual matters,” he said.