ACS CEO Week in Review: 6 September 2012
The following shows major ICT news across the sector and government for the week. For further information please contact ACS Head of Policy and External Affairs, Mr Adam Redman, on 02 9299 4450 or at adam.redman@acs.org.au.
Sector Reports out this week
- Clarius Skills index (4 September)
ACS in the news
- New plug for IT careers, The Australian (3 September)
- ACS teams with deans to make ICT education sexy, CIO (3 September)
- Gettler: How to run your talent show, CRN (29 August)
- ACS Canberra ICT Awards (6 September)
Major ICT topics in the news
NBN: NBN won’t close the broadband gap, says advocates for rural communities.
Patents & Copyright: Oracle must pay Google $1M to cover costs in failed patent case.
Security: Australians carless about internet security, says Paypal Australia report
ICT jobs market and skills: Statistics scream shortages but maybe mirage
eHealth: Government’s records system was affectedby critical bugs prior to implementation, reveals report. The Department of Health and Ageing is developing a new strategy for sourcing core ICT services.
SKILLS
Encouraging IT staff to keep their skills current is a win/win for companies and workers alike – but in lean economic times training and professional development can be easy targets for the red pen brigade. Read more.
e-HEALTH
The personally controlled e-health records (PCEHR) system was launched with over 68 critical and high-severity bugs, reports reveal, as the system went offline for over 24 hours for maintenance. Read more.
DIGITAL ECONOMY
Mining boom to make way for 'digital boom' out west, Perth's online activity is leading the nation when it comes to digital wheeling and dealing. Read more.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telcos that fail to disclose nasty cost surprises in mobile phone and internet plans could find themselves being dragged to court after the government granted new consumer protection powers to the communications and media watchdog. Read more.
PROJECT QUALITY
Government IT system likened to '1972 Ford Falcon clunker' needing up to $6 billion in repairs, It would cost up to $6 billion to fix nearly 1000 outdated state government IT systems that have not been maintained for years, an interim audit report has shown. Read more.
SECURITY
Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei Technologies has issued a report on cyber security that includes a pledge never to cooperate with spying in a fresh effort to allay concerns in the United States and elsewhere that threaten to hamper its expansion. Read more.
Government announcements
- Turnbull should stop hiding and release his broadband plans in detail: The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today called on Malcolm Turnbull to release the Coalition’s broadband plan in detail. (4 September)
- New powers for the ACMA to strengthen telecommunications consumer protection: The Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced new measures to ensure that consumers continue to be strongly protected and represented in the telecommunications sector. (5 September)
- Liberal Party exposed on increasing student fees: Opposition Education Spokesperson Christopher Pyne's statement last week that the Liberal Party have no plans to increase student fees has been exposed on Meet the Press today. (2 September)
- Australia-China science and research collaboration in the spotlight: More than 130 leading Australian and Chinese scientists, researchers and government representatives are meeting in Melbourne this week to foster greater collaboration and further strengthen research and industry links between the two countries. (4 September)
- Aussie scientists to tap into the minds of the world’s best: Some of Australia's brightest young scientists and researchers will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and build international networks with Nobel Laureates and other young researchers from around the world, thanks to a new program announced by the Gillard Government. (5 September)
Opposition announcements
- More Chaos and confusion in innovation policy: Reports today of Labor’s plans to cut innovation and research grants are yet another indication of budget chaos and confusion from a Government that can’t manage public money. (3 September)
- Manufacturing: Labor approaches three years of decline: Today’s AIG PwC Performance of Manufacturing Index shows yet another contraction in manufacturing activity as costs continue to rise. (3 September)
- Australia falling further behind on innovation: A World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report has today revealed that Australia is continuing to fall further behind its global competitors in innovation. (5 September)