Oracle bags AU$67 million contract

The 10 year contract was awarded on Friday and signifies a 'major milestone' in the government's Shared Corporate Services Project, which is designed to consolidate the back-office systems of more than 100 government agencies into three service centres.

Treasurer Eric Ripper expects the deal to deliver savings of AU$50 million a year from 2007 by improving efficiency.

"The introduction of this new software will deliver savings through reducing duplication and improving efficiency, while enabling agencies to focus on their core functions... That is money that can be redirected to priority areas such as health, education and law and order," said Ripper.

Under the contract, which is worth AU$66.8 million, Oracle will help the government and its various agencies implement the company's e-business suite, database and application server.