ACS Welcomes Federal IT Ministry Appointment
Monday 19 October 1998 - The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has applauded as both appropriate and necessary the decision by Prime Minister John Howard to include an IT Minister within his new Cabinet line up.
ACS President Prins Ralston said the appointment of Senator Richard Alston as Minister for Information Technology was an important step in providing the direction and leadership Australia needed to enable this critical industry to fulfill its enormous potential.
"In choosing Senator Alston, the Prime Minister has shown the wisdom of having in place a Minister already immersed in the issues of the Portfolio. It is to be hoped that the Minister will consult widely and listen to the profession and the industry on matters of concern," said Mr Ralston.
"We are delighted that Prime Minister Howard has taken the initiative of integrating key responsibilities for IT policy and implementation under the combined portfolio of IT.
"Not only will this provide greater focus and coordination for IT-related issues at the Federal level, but this move makes Australia far more attractive to multinationals considering establishing operations or investing here," he said.
"While the full ramifications of the effect that this ministerial change will have on the bureaucracy are unclear, it is hoped that the Prime Minister and his colleagues will have taken the opportunity to bring all the strands of IT within the Commonwealth administration together in the one department. There is nothing more frustrating travelling through the many corridors of the public service seeking a single stream of advice on an IT issue - one stop administration is the go," said Mr Ralston.
While the ACS has been pushing for an IT Minister for over three years, this theme received strong support during the recent election from a full range of industry groups including the AIIA and the media.
"It is gratifying to know that the Government has both heard and responded to the calls from both the profession and the industry, recognising that a Cabinet-level minister is needed to take advantage of the opportunities the IT&T industry represents," said Mr Ralston.
"We now look to the Government to progress this initiative and focus on key issues such as the growing IT skills crisis, the Year 2000 problem, encouraging international investment and improving the skill levels of all Australians as technology users.
"The ACS looks forward to a close and productive relationship with Senator Alston and his department as we work together to achieve the objectives of building a strong and competitive, export-oriented IT industry and leveraging the technology for the benefit of all Australians," he said.
This media release is located on the Web at http://www.acs.org.au/news/min98pos.htm
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Prins Ralston, ACS President, Tel: (0411) 755 069, Email: P_Ralston@ntu.edu.au
Arthur Dyster, ACS Chief Executive, Tel: (02) 9299 3666, Email: arthurd@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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