ACS Presents IT Industry Development Strategies to Tasmanian Premier
Wednesday, 19 November 1997 - Hobart, TAS. - The Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) tonight presented its IT Industry Development Strategies for Tasmania Report to Premier Tony Rundle.
The result of six months consultation and planning, the report provides a blueprint for Tasmania to grow its economy by developing both its IT expertise and products, and the ways in which it applies technology in commerce and industry.
"We believe the IT profession has great potential to assist in creating jobs in Tasmania," said ACS Tasmanian Branch Chair, Richard Wilson.
"With appropriate encouragement, leadership and support, it can play a significant role in developing the State’s potential as a net exporter of IT goods and services."
The report contains a range of recommendations for both the industry and the Government, including:
· the IT profession taking a higher profile to promote community understanding;
· better recognition of the potential for sale of Tasmanian IT products and services outside Tasmania;
· the formation of strategic alliances to better use specialist IT resources;
· more pro-active marketing of IT goods and services; and
· affirmative action in support of the IT industry by government.
In presenting the report, Mr Wilson also praised recent moves by the Tasmanian Government to establish a Cabinet-level IT portfolio.
"We applaud Premier Rundle’s decision to personally take on the role of Minister for Information Technology.
"This is a clear indication that the Government recognises the significant role the IT profession will play in Tasmania’s future. It also bodes well for positive Government consideration of our recommendations in this latest report," he said.
The ACS confirmed its strong support for Premier Rundle’s commitment in his Directions Statement to place Tasmania at the leading edge of information technology both in Australia and internationally.
"The Directions Statement links closely with the society’s own vision for Australia of utilising IT to provide competitive advantage and working with expert partners to ensure the commercial success of the outcomes," Mr Wilson said.
This media release is located on the Web at http://www.acs.org.au/news/inddevt.htm
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Richard Wilson, ACS Tasmanian Branch Chair, Tel: (03) 6225 3880 or (0418) 375 415, Email: rtwilson@acslink.net.au
Caroline New, Caroline New PR, Tel: (02) 9980 8060 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au
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