AIIA Welcomes Labor Government

By Greg McNevin

November 27, 2007: The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has welcomed the newly-elected Labor Government in what it is calling “a critical juncture for the information, communication and technology industry in Australia.”

AIIA CEO Sheryle Moon says that we are currently in a pivotal time for the future of the ICT industry in Australia, and that the leadership and policy delivered over the next three to five years will to a large degree define our future stake in the international information economy as well as our ability to meet pressing domestic issues.

The association says that the Federal Government must focus on direct implementation of its promised policy platforms, while according to Moon the top priority “is to provide industry and the wider community with clear plans and a concrete timetable for the rollout of a national broadband infrastructure.”

The AIIA says that the ALP has presented strong policies addressing a number of significant industry concerns, particularly when it comes to ICT workforce pressures and the R&D sector. However, more will be required if ICT is to maintain a viable contribution to the economy and wider issues affecting Australia.

“The ALP’s Innovation Future for Australian Industry, released on November 21, recognises many of the imperatives that must be addressed if the ICT industry is to maintain a vibrant contribution to Australia and its interests, and that is a great outcome,” says Moon.

“The challenges it identifies are significant, however, and the clock is ticking. The opportunities we have today to keep pace with a rapidly advancing international community will be ignored at our peril.”

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