Digital birth certificates could soon be a reality, with the NSW government spearheading a cross-jurisdictional project to develop a national Digital Birth Certificate.

The NSW-led initiative is currently in the research phase and is on track to deliver a proof of concept in the second half of 2021.

Any digital solution will be opt-in only and will adhere to the highest privacy, trust and security standards.

NSW is the most digitally advanced jurisdiction in Australia and has already delivered popular digital products such as the Digital Driver Licence.

This is what smart governments do - remove paperwork, save people time and put the customer at the centre.

Community consultation is currently underway, with a focus on schools, junior sports, and government agencies.

It's crucial to make any Digital Birth Certificate a highly secure document that is easy to authenticate and protected from fraudsters and criminals.

That's why the NSW government is carefully co-designing this proposal with the community to help prevent identity theft and crime.

A birth certificate opens the doors to schooling, health and other vital government services.

It's also needed for a range of life events including applying for a driver's licence and getting a bank account.

Nowhere else in the world provides a holistic digital solution to identity establishment, verification, authentication and management. We're excited by the prospect of filling this gap.

Visit haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au go to have your say on the proposed Digital Birth Certificate.

New LED lighting for our schools

Students at two local schools will soon benefit from brighter and smarter learning spaces with the NSW government announcing the first tranche of schools in the LED Lighting Upgrade Program.

The program is evidence of this government's commitment to improving school facilities and supporting jobs.

LED lighting will improve the learning environment for students and this program will help support local jobs with the initiative rolled out at Tacking Point and Westport Public schools.

We know student learning is enhanced when the learning environment is comfortable and LED lighting is proven to provide a more stable source of light.