MEDIA RELEASE

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ACS Highlights Tasmanian IT Opportunities

Thursday 15 July 1999 - Hobart - The Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) is calling for mainland-based companies to take a closer look at the opportunities available on the Apple Isle.

ACS Tasmanian Branch Chair, Sue Drake, said the injection of funds from the Telstra sale will open up a range of possibilities for companies wanting to develop major IT infrastructure projects or tender for various e-commerce initiatives.

"The Federal Government has earmarked over $100 million for a range of initiatives aimed at expanding Tasmania's IT infrastructure and improving the breadth and quality of online services available here," she said.

"While some of the money from the impending Telstra sale has already been allocated for specific projects, a substantial portion has been set aside to assist local IT companies with product development and expansion. This represents a significant opportunity for companies choosing to relocate their IT&T staff to Tasmania."

Ms Drake was speaking at an ACS IT Careers Forum attended today by students, IT companies and employers.

"Despite the IT skills shortage, only 36 per cent of Tasmania's IT graduates last year were able to find local employment with most travelling to the mainland to obtain work in the IT&T industry. We need to reverse this trend and use some of the promised Government funding to start building up Tasmania's IT&T sector into a viable and prosperous industry," she said.

"The money is there, and with technologies such as the Internet and electronic commerce transcending geographical separations, Tasmania now has a lot to offer," said Ms Drake.

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

ENDS

The Australian Computer Society is the recognised association for information technology (IT) professionals, attracting a large and active membership from all levels of the IT industry and providing a wide range of services to its members. It is the public voice of the IT profession, the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the IT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of IT. See the ACS Home Page for more information.

Media Enquiries:

Sue Drake, ACS Tasmanian Branch Chair, Tel: (03) 6237 3724, Email: Sue.Drake@hydro.com.au

Caroline New, Caroline New PR, Tel: (02) 9980 8060 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au