The Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS) has outsourced its IT services to Getronics in a three-year $10.8 million deal.
The Getronics Australia contract is the first time FaCS has outsourced its IT services.
The contract covers helpdesk, floor-walker and desk-side support, infrastructure management and advice on service and strategy for the 1800-strong department.
Mark Sullivan, secretary at FaCS, said outsourcing was expected to give better value for money and improve service levels.
Getronics staff will begin to provide services on site at FaCS offices and at Getronics' enterprise service centre in Sydney from April 2004.
Danny Sargeant, MD at Getronics Australia, said the firm would aim to establish best practice for FaCS.
Getronics is headquartered in the Netherlands.