Australian Government ICT Young Professional of the Year Award Finalists Announced
27 July, 2011: The Australian Computer Society (ACS), together with the Department of Finance and Deregulation (Finance) is proud to announce the three finalists of the 2011 Australian Government ICT Young Professional of the Year Award. The finalists were announced today at the ACS Canberra’s Commonwealth ICT Senior Executive Forum.
The Australian Government ICT Young Professional of the Year Award was introduced to recognise young ICT professionals working in the Australian Government who are making an outstanding contribution in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Congratulations to the following finalists (in alphabetical order): John Danassis of the Australian Taxation Office, Squadron Leader Daniel Howarth, Department of Defence and Duncan Young of the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The winner will be announced at the ACS Young ICT Professionals Conference Dinner which will be held in Melbourne on 25 August 2011.
ACS President Anthony Wong said “In its second year running, the ACS is delighted to be again working with Finance to deliver the Australian Government’s ICT Young Professional of the Year Award. Awards such as this help to promote ICT careers to future generations and give young people in this industry the recognition they deserve.”
“The ACS plays a critical role representing those working in Information and Communications Technology. Our partnership with Finance to deliver this Award compliments ACS’s mission to advance professional excellence and to further improve recognition for the ICT profession.”
Ann Steward, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Finance and Deregulation and Australian Government Chief Information Officer, said the Australian Government is a major employer of ICT professionals and has a number of programs to encourage talented young people into the industry.
“Young ICT professionals, such as these three finalists we acknowledge today, play a significant role in helping develop and drive innovative practices to deliver government projects and services. The quality of the nominations for this award gives me great confidence for the future of ICT in the public sector and the industry more widely.”
About the finalists:
John Danassis – Australian Taxation Office
John Danassis is respected as a leader and subject matter expert. He has been instrumental in ascertaining that the high standard of IT security was not impacted during a change of outsourced providers. He provided valuable support to management and to service providers to identify potential risks which the Tax Office might face during this change. John has continually shown his professionalism and integrity. He has a strong work ethic.
Daniel Howarth – Department of Defence
Squadron Leader Daniel Howarth is responsible for the development of a detailed capability proposal for the next major phase of delivery of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) satellite communications (SATCOM) network. He has consistently applied his outstanding technical knowledge, shown exceptional foresight and tremendous capacity to concurrently manage multiple demanding activities in progressing this project. Daniel can be relied upon to deliver first rate results.
Duncan Young – Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
Duncan is an outstanding leader of Technology Infrastructure at the ABS. He has led a major desktop refresh across 10 offices and over 4,000 machines which has reduced login times by up to 66 per cent and provided over $2 million of productivity savings. Duncan sets a high personal standard and is a role model in terms of his personal drive, his integrity and the respect he shows for his colleagues.
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Media contact:
Seni Murni on 02 9299 3666 or seni.murni@acs.org.au
Emily Venardos (02) 9492 1033 or mobile: 0413 743 737
About the ACS
The Australian Computer Society (ACS) 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.
About the Department of Finance and Deregulation and AGIMO
The Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO), a business group within the Department of Finance and Deregulation, works across government to maintain Australia's position as a leader in the productive application of information and communications technologies. AGIMO fosters the efficient and effective use of information and communications technology by Australian Government agencies. AGIMO works with governments and other bodies at the local, state, national and international levels to develop and maintain Australia's position as a world leader in eGovernment. You can find more information about AGIMO’s work at www.finance.gov.au/agimo and on the AGIMO Blog at www.agimo.govspace.gov.au.