MEDIA RELEASE

ACS Welcomes Northern Territory’s New Technology Portfolio

Friday 4 July 1997, Darwin - The Australian Computer Society has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s announcement of a new Communications and Advanced Technology Ministry.

ACS National Vice President, Prins Ralston, said the new portfolio would allow the NT Government to provide a much needed focus for Information Technology in the Territory.

"This initiative will see the NT Government position itself to pro-actively deliver more effective and efficient services to the community at large. Further it will send a strong message to the IT industry and the investment community that this Government is serious about growing a vibrant IT industry in the NT both to support the local community and to supply the massive demands for services from Asia," he said.

"We’ve been involved in on-going discussions with the Stone administration about this issue and are delighted to see such a positive outcome.

"Back in January this year, the ACS called for the formation of IT ministries in each State and Territory in our submission to the Information Industries Taskforce. We see this initiative as a direct response to our call and will support and work with the new Ministry in any way we can to assist its goals," he said.

Mr Ralston also welcomed the appointment of Peter Adamson as the new Minister for Communications and Advanced Technology, and the announcement of Paul Tyrell as interim CEO for the new Department.

"In outlining its plans to mount a national recruitment campaign for a permanent CEO for the new Department, the Government is signalling its intention to hire the most qualified and skilled person available.

"We believe formal IT qualifications and extensive experience in the industry should be considered mandatory for the successful applicant to ensure they are appropriately equipped to guide this Department into the 21st century."

Mr Ralston also pointed to the timeliness of the announcement, with Darwin next year hosting SEARCC ’98, the South East Asian Regional Computer Confederation annual conference and trade exhibition. "SEARCC ’98 is an extremely prestigious event throughout the region and will provide unprecedented opportunities for Australia to establish business ties with other countries throughout the region.

"The NT Government has already committed considerable resources to the event, and the formation of a specialised Communications and Advanced Technologies Department will enable it to exploit to the fullest the many opportunities SEARCC ‘98 will bring," he said.

This media release is located on the Web at http://www.acs.org.au/news/ntmin.htm.