Australian Government Gives ICT Business a Shot in the Arm after Meeting with ACS

Monday 3 May 2004 - The ACS (Australian Computer Society) welcomes the release by the Federal Government of a simple guide to the range of Australian Government support programs available to small and medium ICT enterprises (SMEs).

The guide was prepared by the Government in response to concerns raised by Edward Mandla, President of the Australian Computer Society, with Daryl Williams, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, that ICT SMEs did not know about the many support programs available. It is these enterprises that will provide the innovation and employment vital to the future of the Australian ICT industry.

“As the peak body for the ICT professional, the ACS is aware of the Government’s commitment to the growth of the Australian ICT industry,” says Edward Mandla. “However, we felt that the range of support programs available, was not broadly understood or easily accessible to the small to medium ICT business operator.”

“In our meetings with the Minister we highlighted the need for greater awareness of grants and research and development programs and their contact points. The ACS have formed a range of ICT expert advisory groups to form internal policy and commission further study into areas such as ICT Literacy, Off-shoring, Open Source Software and Ethical Use of the Internet & Mobile Phone Cameras. We will continue to share our findings with the Government in an effort to improve the incentives and resources available to kick-start the ICT industry.”

“These support programs must be promoted as widely as possible, as they are often the difference between these small to mediums sized enterprises thriving or failing. The ACS welcomes the Australian Government’s initiative to produce a simple guide to its support programs and will continue to work with the Australian Federal Government to ensure growth and innovation in the ICT industry,” says Dr Mandla.

The guide is divided into four categories of support programs available at the various development stages of ICT SME growth:

• Creating new ICT ideas and products

• Developing the ICT business - getting advice and capital

• Selling ICT to Government

• Exporting ICT

A copy of the guide is available at http://www.dcita.gov.au/ictsme or http://www.acs.org.au/static/ictsmesupport.pdf

This media release is available on the ACS Web site at http://www.acs.org.au/news/030504.htm

ENDS

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.

ACS - ICT Professionals Shaping our Future

Media Enquiries:

Edward Mandla, ACS National President, Tel: (02) 8257 1760, Email: edwardm@acslink.net.au

Antonia O'Neill, Launch Management Group, Tel: 02 8257 1741 or 0417 252 805

Fleur Brown, Launch Management Group, Tel: 02 8257 1741 or 0419 270 863