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ACS welcomes productivity commission technology recommendations
Tech sector critical to boosting Australia’s economy, but concerns about skilled migration proposals remain
20 March 2023
ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector, welcomes the tech focus of the Productivity Commission’s recommendations in its Advancing Prosperity report released last Friday.
“It is good to see the Productivity Commission’s recognition that a broader embrace of digital technology can transform the way the economy operates,” said ACS Chief Executive Chris Vein. “For Australia to maintain its high living standards and place in the world we must embrace both current and emerging technologies.
“We believe transformation is happening more quickly than the Productivity Commission. Our annual Digital Pulse report forecasts 1.2 million technology workers by 2027 rather than 2035. That underscores the need for improved IT education and the reduction of barriers for workers looking to retrain into the sector.
“The recommendations around skilled migration to address the nation’s chronic technology worker shortfall are more complex – we feel they need to be considered alongside the detailed review underway into Australia’s skilled migration system. ACS is working closely with the review panel to ensure we have a system fit for Australia’s twenty-first Century needs.
“In other recommendations, improving data sharing rules and regulations is something ACS has long advocated. However, we should ensure that under any regime, security and privacy remains paramount. Similarly, we wholly endorse the recommendations to improve cyber security across the private and public sectors.
“We look forward to working with the government on practical, effective solutions to the issues highlighted in the Productivity Commission’s report in order to ensure Australians have access to technology and the opportunity to work in what is one of the economy’s highest wage and fastest growing sector.”
-ENDS-
Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy
About Us
ACS is the professional association for Australia’s technology sector and the largest community with 47,000+ members from across business, government and education.
ACS champions the technologies, people and skills critical to Australia’s future, creating value for ACS members, the tech sector and society in four ways:
Community
Our focus is on fostering an innovative and inclusive community that is dedicated to powering positive change through technology.
Capability
We set the standard for assessing, developing and recognising the skills and experience of technology professionals.
Career
We create career pathways to guide technology professionals and ensure Australia has a pipeline of talent with the right skills and knowledge.
Migration
We assess and support skilled technology migrants to address critical skills shortages, improve diversity and enrich Australia’s workforce.
Find out more at: acs.org.au