MEDIA RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE - ACS welcomes overhaul of Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration

Sydney, March 20, 2014: The Australian Computer Society has welcomed an announcement by Senator Michaelia Cash that the Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration (MACSM) will be subject to a wide-ranging review.

ACS Chief Executive Alan Patterson identified the opportunities that such a review can bring.

"We were disappointed that, in the lead up to last year's federal election, the ICT industry was unfairly targeted in an ill-informed debate around skilled migration. It is worth noting that no member of the MACSM came from the ICT industry or had an ICT background.'

"ICT employs more than 500,000 people in Australia, and is the critical growth sector in the face of the slow-down in our resources sector and the challenges faced by manufacturing. The industry is now contributing almost 10% of GDP and is our brightest opportunity for securing economic growth."

"As the industry grows, we need to ensure that ICT businesses stay onshore, and to achieve that we need government policy driven by those who know, understand and represent the profession. Senator Cash is encouraged to ensure that her review of the MACSM includes a requirement that ICT be represented in the Council and the ACS, as the independent voice of the ICT profession, looks forward to continuing to work with the government to provide quality advice.'

Further information

Thomas Shanahan, Australian Computer Society, 0449 902 130

About the Australian Computer Society

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the professional association for Australia's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. Over 20,000 ACS members work in business, education, government and the community. The Society exists to create the environment and provide the opportunities for members and partners to succeed. The ACS strives for ICT professionals to be recognised as drivers of innovation in our society, relevant across all sectors, and to promote the formulation of effective policies on ICT and related matters. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.