MEDIA RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE - ACS welcomes appointment of Communications Minister, increased focus on innovation

Sydney, September 21, 2015: The ACS – The professional association for Australia’s ICT sector – congratulates Senator The Hon. Mitch Fifield on his appointment as Minister for Communications.

“Senator Fifield will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role which will help navigate digital policy through a sometimes challenging political process” said acting ACS CEO Kim Finch.

“We look forward to working with the Minister and helping him build Australia’s digital capability, which will be critical to securing a strong future for the Australian economy.”

“At at broader level, the ACS is excited by Prime Minister Turnbull’s focus on setting a national agenda which seeks to make Australia more agile and better equipped to capture the opportunities being created in a globally connected, digital world.  A key to grasping these opportunities will be to ensure we lift the supply of skilled IT professionals and other STEM based occupations. This is where the jobs of the future lie.”       

Finch applauded the increased focus on innovation and it being combined in one portfolio with industry and science under Minister Pyne.

“It is extremely encouraging to see Innovation as part of a portfolio at the Federal level. Innovation is the key to achieving sustained economic prosperity and particularly for Australia as we look to reduce our traditional reliance on the mining sector and develop new engines of growth.

“We are looking forward to working Prime Minister Turnbull and his new team on the challenges which lie ahead and in particular improving outcomes in the digital skills space and helping Australia build a strong digital future.”

-ENDS-

Further information

Thomas Shanahan, ACS, 0449 902 130