ACS Commends QLD Government on IT Vision
Wednesday 22 November 2000 - The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has used a Year in Review breakfast for its Members here in Brisbane to praise the QLD Government on its proactive support for the IT&T industry.
ACS President John Ridge told attendees at this morning's breakfast that the Beattie administration's commitment to developing IT skills throughout the QLD community was to be commended.
"Not only does this Government have a Strategic Plan to develop the local IT&T industry, but they are actively investing in IT training for business and community groups to enable them to participate more effectively in the Information Economy," he said.
Mr Ridge said it was pleasing to see the high priority QLD gave to technology, with the IT portfolio being held by the third most senior minister in the government.
"The IT industry needs strong and decisive leadership from politicians at all levels of government, but that requires a level of understanding and appreciation that many politicians simply don't have.
"We are greatly concerned at the lack of support for research and development currently being experienced across Australia, and believe the public sector must take more seriously its responsibility to lead by example in investing in innovation."
Mr Ridge said he was disappointed at last week's sale of Australian high-tech firm, Radiata Communications to Cisco Systems, saying that Australia would again miss out on being recognised as the source of such valuable Intellectual Property.
"I know we have to be realistic about the opportunity this represents for Radiata in terms of getting its technology to the world, but Australia needs to be seen internationally as a leading researcher and innovator in IT&T. I would have preferred to have seen more of a partnership approach rather than see the recognition for this technology go to another multinational.
"The QLD Premier was absolutely right when he highlighted the importance of having a Federal Government with a strong vision for promoting innovation," said Mr Ridge.
"The direct return on investment in R&D and innovation is between seven and 43 per cent, which is significantly higher than most other investment options. In addition, the social return on this investment is between 123 and 270 per cent.
"My proposition has always been that if Governments want to do more for this country, they need to support and invest in R&D. The more they spend on innovation, the greater their return will be, providing additional resources to finance other initiatives," he said.
This media release is available on the ACS Web site at http://www.acs.org.au/news/221100.htm
ENDS
The Australian Computer Society is the recognised association for information
technology (IT) professionals, attracting a large and active membership from
all levels of the IT industry and providing a wide range of services to its
members. It is the public voice of the IT profession, the guardian of professional
ethics and standards in the IT industry, with a commitment to the wider community
to ensure the beneficial use of IT. See the ACS
Home Page for more information.
Media Enquiries:
John Ridge, ACS President, el: (02) 9223 9499 or (0407) 913 992, Email: jridge@mra.com.au
Caroline New, Caroline New PR, Tel: (02) 9980 8060 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au
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