ACS Congratulates Coalition on Reelection
Monday 6 October 1998 - The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has congratulated the Liberal-National Party Coalition on its reelection and looks forward to further developing its relationship with the Howard Government for the benefit of the IT profession, industry and Australia as a whole.
ACS President Prins Ralston commended both the major parties and the Democrats on their broader understanding and awareness of IT, pointing out that this was the first election in which these parties had released specific IT policies.
"We congratulate the political parties on the improved profile they gave to IT issues and appreciate the way the ACS and other industry bodies were given opportunities to discuss these issues with senior figures in all parties," he said.
While welcoming the Howard Government's many past achievements in the IT arena, Mr Ralston stressed the need for wider recognition of the IT industry's importance to Australia's future growth and prosperity during this second term of administration.
"In today's uncertain economic climate, the development of a strong and vibrant IT industry must be a major priority for this Government as it seeks to increase the number of jobs in Australia and bolster our nation's financial position within the region and the world," he said.
"In addition to its own policy initiatives, we would encourage the Coalition to take seriously many of the Democrats' IT policies, which not only addressed a comprehensive array of issues, but also recognised the need for a central IT Ministry to oversee policy development and implementation.
"The ACS was joined during the election campaign by other key industry bodies in a strong call for a Cabinet-level IT Ministry to ensure this critical industry receives the necessary support and encouragement to develop its full potential as a major export earner.
"While the Coalition earlier indicated a central portfolio was not on its agenda, we hope Prime Minister Howard and his advisers will now reassess the need for such a body as they plan the new Cabinet line-up.
Mr Ralston said the ACS would seek an early opportunity to meet with Coalition representatives to discuss issues of importance to the IT industry, and looked forward to working closely with the new Government throughout its term of office.
This media release is located on the Web at http://www.acs.org.au/news/electres.htm
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Prins Ralston, ACS President, Tel: (0411) 755 069, Email: P_Ralston@ntu.edu.au
Caroline New, Caroline New PR, Tel: (02) 9980 8060 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au
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