ACS Questions ACCC Attack on Professions
Friday 18 April 1997 - The Australian Computer Society has questioned whether the planned review of professions by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is really considering the public interest when it seeks to draw back provisions laying down educational qualifications for entry to the professions.
ACS Vice-President, Denis Street, said that while the ACS is against uncompetitive behaviour or practices, it is concerned at moves to remove standard educational qualifications for right of entry to the different professions.
"Of course we want a level playing field for all people entering the professions, but it must be remembered that educational qualifications are there to ensure a transparent standard is in place so that the public is best served and they able to judge the quality of the work being undertaken by the professional representing their interests.
"Entry standards help to protect the public from persons who may appear to be professionals but actually are not, and also ensure that the professional is operating under the auspices of a recognised Association which upholds a Code of Ethics and a Code of Professional Conduct," said Mr Street.
The ACS represents over 15,000 Australian professionals and practitioners working in the information technology industry, providing on-going professional development, member entitlements and a strong commitment to a Code of Ethics backed by a Disciplinary Code and a Code of Professional Practice.
"Unlike some other professional bodies, the ACS does not play a role in setting standard fees or charges for IT professionals and nor do we want to. Our concern is with setting educational requirements for entry to the profession and then ensuring practice and continuing educational standards are maintained, if the right to practice is to continue. These activities are undertaken by the profession to ensure the community receives the services they have a right to expect from s profession.
"The ACS has just increased the standard of entry for Professional Membership, not because we want to keep people out of the Society, but because we want to ensure that Australian IT professionals meet a minimum standard of excellence in their professional knowledge and how they apply it," he said.
"We are committed to progressing professional standards for IT in Australia. In restructuring the ACS, we have sought to take into account the dramatic changes that have occurred within the industry over the past decade and the increasing penetration of IT into every aspect of business and culture.
"Professional recognition is now only granted to those persons who genuinely possess the body of knowledge and experience required of an IT professional, while we have also outlined a clear articulation path for people wishing to attain professional status who do not yet possess the requisite knowledge and experience.
"The standard set for membership is challenging, but achievable. These standards are needed to ensure that our members are equipped to operate as IT professionals and deliver quality products and services to their customers," he said.
This media release is located on the Web at http://www.acs.org.au/news/profesn.htm
ENDS
Media Enquiries:
Denis Street, ACS Vice-President, Tel: (03) 9288 5716 or (0419) 378 049, Email: denis@acslink.net.au
Caroline New, Caroline New PR, Tel: (02) 9630 2108 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au
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