Duplicate Image Replacement: Why This Matters for Local Residents and the Community Impact

A recent review of the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) digital assets has revealed a significant issue with duplicate image replacement, with over 10,000 duplicate images found across various government websites and databases.

This issue matters now because it has serious implications for the efficiency and effectiveness of public services in Canberra. The city's public service workforce is one of the largest in the country, and the use of duplicate images can lead to confusion, errors, and delays in the delivery of services. Furthermore, the issue also has implications for the city's urban development, particularly in areas such as Gungahlin and Belconnen, where new infrastructure and housing developments are underway.

Local Impact

In Canberra, the issue of duplicate image replacement is being felt in specific areas such as the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Canberra (UC), where researchers and students rely on accurate and up-to-date information to conduct their work. The ANU's College of Engineering and Computer Science, located on North Road in Acton, is just one example of an institution that may be affected by this issue. Additionally, the Canberra Hospital, located on Yamba Drive in Garran, may also be impacted, particularly in areas such as medical imaging and patient records.

According to data from the ACT Government's Open Data Portal, the number of duplicate images found across government websites and databases has increased by 25% over the past 12 months, with an average of 500 new duplicate images being added each month. This has resulted in significant costs, with estimates suggesting that the issue is costing the ACT Government over $100,000 per year in terms of staff time and resources. As of June 2026, the total cost of addressing the issue is expected to exceed $500,000.

What Happens Next

So what can be done to address the issue of duplicate image replacement in Canberra? The ACT Government has announced plans to implement a new digital asset management system, which will help to identify and remove duplicate images from government websites and databases. The system, which is expected to be rolled out by the end of 2026, will also provide training and support for staff to help them manage digital assets more effectively. In the meantime, residents and community members can help by reporting any instances of duplicate images they encounter to the ACT Government's Service Centre, located on London Circuit in Civic.