Australia, New Zealand push ahead with digital health upgrades
OHIO, UNITED STATES — Australia’s Health Department is on the lookout for a cybersecurity partner to boost its digital defenses, while New Zealand is moving forward with a plan to launch a national booking platform for its around-the-clock telehealth general practitioner (GP) service, Healthcare IT News reports.
Australia prioritizes healthcare cybersecurity
Australia’s Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing has released a tender to find a single provider that can oversee its full cybersecurity operations.
The effort is part of a larger digital upgrade program, designed to bring together threat detection, orchestration, and faster response to cyber risks across the department’s networks.
The chosen provider will set up and operate a security operations center, implement security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR), and manage incident response. They’ll also oversee existing tools such as Microsoft Defender, vulnerability management platforms, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
By aligning with well-established frameworks like the U.S.-based National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and MITRE ATT&CK, the department aims to sharpen its awareness of threats and cut down the time it takes to react to cyber incidents.
With hospitals and health services becoming prime targets for hackers, the move highlights Canberra’s determination to protect sensitive patient records and organizational data.
New Zealand launches national telehealth booking system
Meanwhile, across the Tasman, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand is getting ready to award a contract for a new national appointment booking system.
The platform will support the country’s 24/7 online GP service, launched earlier this year as part of efforts to make virtual healthcare easier to access.
At first, it will bring together appointment slots from eight approved telehealth providers, replacing the current setup that sends patients to separate websites. Planned features include assisted booking, smarter search tools, GP system integration, and instant notifications.
The service will be designed to work smoothly on mobile devices and link up with practice management systems, making it easier for both patients and providers to use. Development is due to start in early 2026, to make appointments more convenient while helping relieve pressure on traditional clinics.
A broader digital health shift
Together, these initiatives reflect a regional shift toward embedding technology more deeply into healthcare. Australia’s investment in cybersecurity sits alongside New Zealand’s drive for patient-friendly digital tools, underscoring the rising need for health systems that are secure, accessible, and resilient in a post-pandemic world.
