ACS Response to the Victorian Government’s ICT Plan
Friday 18 November 2011: The Australian Computer Society (ACS) commends the Victorian Government on the release of its ICT plan, which will encourage Victoria’s capability to support the application of ICT in other industries, as part of the Coalition Government’s suite of technology strategies under Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future.
ACS Victoria Chairman, Ian Dennis said, “It is pleasing to see the government continuing the attitude of their predecessor governments in recognising the economic significance of the 140,000 Victorian working in ICT occupations, and the 87,000 of those, working in ICT companies in Victoria, whose achievements generate $25 billion annual revenue in Victoria”.
“It is also pleasing that the government recognises that without increasing numbers from the current 2,300 domestic ICT higher education enrolment commencements in 2010, and 10,000 ICT students in Victoria, such sustained economic growth will be difficult to deliver in the future.”
“We also note the positive support that the Victorian government plans to provide to Victorian ICT companies to benefit from the NBN roll-out, supporting both new, and the over 2.7 million existing, internet subscribers in Victoria.”
The ACS notes that ICT represents 9 per cent of Australia GDP, and contributes over $100 billion per annum to national value-add, according to the about to be released ACS 2011 ICT Statistical Compendium, and that, nationally, only finance and insurance makes a larger contribution as an industry sector to national wealth.
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Media information:
Seni Murni
ACS PR & Special Projects Executive
02 9299 3666 or 0410 029 706
seni.murni@acs.org.au
Clementine Stuart-Russell,
02 9492 1034 or 0414 490 092
clementine@launchgroup.com.au
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 information.