MEDIA RELEASE

ACS Gives Cautious Welcome to IPAC Report

Wednesday 27 August 1997 - The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has cautiously welcomed today’s release of the Information Policy Advisory Council (IPAC) Report. The IPAC Industries Task Force was convened by Communications Minister Richard Alston and headed by Dr Terry Cutler.

According to ACS President, Tom Worthington, "The report provides a guide on how Australia can take advantage of the opportunities arising from the developing global information economy.

"However, as Dr. Cutler pointed out in an Address to the National Press Club last year, over the last few years Australian governments have produced a shelf full of reports, but with a distressing lack of action. Continued talk without action is the last thing we need."

The IPAC report follows the weekend release of the Goldsworthy Report from the Information Industries Taskforce, the recent Mortimer Report and the draft report on IT research.

"What we need now is strong and decisive action," said Mr Worthington.

"The Minister's announcement of an Interdepartmental Committee to be chaired by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet is not good enough.

"The Government must commit to a range of measures including financial incentives, industry assistance, an overhaul of the taxation system and urgent regulation on issues of privacy, copyright, and tariffs and taxes relating to electronic commerce in order to boost confidence and stimulate investment."