Students to use open source in redesign of eGreenslips system

Students from the University of Sydney’s school of IT are taking part in a project to redesign GIO’s compulsory third party eGreenslips system.

Students will redesign the software application for GIO’s eGreenslips system using open source software so official records at the Roads and Transport Authority will automatically update when drivers pay for their CTP insurance.

The project is being organised by the co-operative education for enterprise development (CEED) and is being run in conjunction with the University of Sydney and insurance giant, GIO.

A previous CEED client, Suncorp, has hired 17 CEED students in the past two years. Group executive, Jeff Smith, said graduates bring something new to the table and he sees the benefit to expanding the program into NSW.

“The opportunity to forge a relationship with the University of Sydney, which is regarded as one of the best universities in Australia, was a major driving force for us. We benefit hugely from the energy, enthusiasm and new ways of thinking students bring into the organisation,” Smith said.

Suncorp could have hired an external contractor, bu Smith prefered to give projects to CEED students.

“We have found that students often approach projects with totally fresh thinking and bring real passion to the job,” he said.

The news comes as an ICT skills shortage is being felt in Canberra and at a time when CIOs are as looking for new ways to employees to an industry on a quest for IT talent.