MEDIA RELEASE

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ACS Calls for Greater Focus on IT

Friday 4 September 1998 - In the lead-up to the federal election, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) has renewed calls for the Government to establish a federal IT Ministry to oversee all aspects of technology planning and decision-making.

ACS Chief Executive, Arthur Dyster, said that while the states and territories had recognised the need for a department focused on technology, their federal counterparts had so far avoided addressing the issue.

"As the major political parties refine their policy statements in the weeks leading up to the poll, we want a commitment from both sides that the next Australian Government will include a Cabinet-level Minister for IT," he said.

"Every Australian state and territory has moved to include an IT portfolio in its line-up over the past few years, but so far the Commonwealth has refused to respond to our calls for a similar department in Canberra.

"An election provides the perfect opportunity for both the Government and Opposition to realign their prospective Ministries with the nation’s needs and priorities. It is clear that the continued absence of an IT Minister within the federal sphere would be completely unacceptable," he said.

The ACS first raised this issue in the context of the 1996 federal election and has been lobbying for a cabinet-level IT portfolio ever since.

Mr Dyster said the Society has written to both major parties seeking full details of all their policies relating to IT&T, asking for assurances that decisive measures will be effected to ensure the continued vibrancy of this key industry.

"Australia is currently faced with 30,000 IT job vacancies caused by a severe IT skills shortage amid growing demand from all industry sectors. This situation is also exacerbated by the drain of many of our skilled workers to positions in Europe, North America and Asia.

"The onus is squarely on government to provide funding for the creation of many more university places to help fill the breach and ensure Australia has the technical resources we need to compete in the global Information Age," he said.

This media release is located on the web at www.acs.org.au/news/elect981.htm

ENDS

Media Enquiries:

Arthur Dyster, ACS CEO, Tel: (02) 9299 3666 or (0419) 610 613, Email: arthurd@acslink.net.au

Caroline New, Caroline New PR, Tel: (02) 9980 8060 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au