Media Release

ACS Awards Honorary Membership to Senator Stephen Conroy

ICT Professionals are vital foundation for our National Digital Economy

Monday, 02 November 2009 - The ACS (Australian Computer Society) has awarded Honorary Membership to the Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy.

The rare honour, presented by ACS Victorian Branch Chair, Ian Wells, during the recent Pearcey Foundation Awards Dinner in Melbourne, recognised Senator Conroy’s strategic role in supporting and growing the Australian ICT sector.

“We are very pleased to honour Senator Conroy’s contribution and support of the significance of ICT to the economy and the key role of ICT professionals in Australia’s future,” said Mr Wells.

“Not only has his door always been open to the ACS, but as the key driver behind the Government’s National Broadband Network, he often highlights the important of developing the digital economy right across the nation as well as building such an economy around the Network.

“Senator Conroy has always encouraged the ACS in its role as the independent voice of the ICT profession, welcoming our input to various enquiries and working groups, and regularly attending key ACS events. We are grateful for his on-going support,” Mr Wells said.

Already the National Patron of the ACS, Senator Conroy said he was pleased and honoured to accept the award, and would continue to work in the interests of the Australian ICT sector.

Earlier this year, Senator Conroy formally launched the second National ICT Careers Week, a joint initiative of the ACS and AIIA, where he pointed to the increasingly pervasive role being played by technology.

"ICT professionals are an important national resource as an increasing number of everyday economic and social activities are enabled by the internet and other networks. They are a vital foundation for our national digital economy."

Senator Conroy told guests at the Pearcey Awards Dinner that the NBN will be the largest nation-building infrastructure project in Australia's history, supporting at least 25,000 jobs for each of the eight years it takes to build.

“The NBN represents the enabling foundation for the future of the ICT sector. It opens new markets for products, services and applications that improve the efficiency and productivity of the things we do today.

“It opens the potential to develop new products, services and applications not yet conceived, to further improve business and life in the future. Companies and other organisations across the economy will increasingly demand new connected digital technologies.

“This means opportunities for innovators, opportunities for skilled ICT workers and opportunities for businesses that adopt emerging applications and services,” Senator Conroy said.
As a resident of Victoria, Senator Conroy becomes an Honorary Member of the ACS Victorian Branch.

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Media information:
Emily Vernados (02) 9492 1033 or mobile: 0413 743 737

About the ACS:
The ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the recognised professional association for those working in Information and Communications Technology, seeking to raise the standing of ICT professionals and represent their views to government, industry and the community. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT sector, committed to ensuring the beneficial use of ICT for all Australians. It provides both members and non-members with opportunities for professional education, networking and certification, as well as enabling them to contribute to the development of their profession. Visit www.acs.org.au for more.