AIIA Slams Lack of ICT Policy

By Greg McNevin

October 30, 2007: The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has slammed the current federal election race as an ICT “policy-free zone”, and is calling on both major political parties to stop dancing around the broadband issue and deliver some concrete information, communications and technology policy proposals to the Australian public.

AIIA CEO Sheryle Moon claims that despite much bickering between Labor and the Liberals about whose plan is superior, the underlying issues have not been addressed. This has left both parties claims about their plans for Australia’s ICT infrastructure amounting to not much more than political hubris.

“ICT is responsible for 4.6% of GDP and yet both the Coalition and Labor have failed over the first two weeks of the election campaign to deliver any vision for the future of ICT in Australia,” says Moon. “The issue of broadband is being over-politicised. A bipartisan approach to the issue is vital if we are to cut the red tape that is restricting Australia’s optimal broadband delivery.”

Moon points out that instead of squabbling, both parties really need to sit down with industry stakeholders and work out a plan of action to move forward now.

Aside from broadband, the AIIA is concerned about the ICT skills shortage, growth in the sector, environmental issues (e-waste), and shaping the business environment in areas such as government procurement.

“The focus of the debate thus far has been broadband. Where is the momentum from our political leaders to think beyond one area at a time? Neither party is giving our sector cause for optimism. They have had years to formulate policy and yet appear to be hamstrung by one issue while neglecting the rest,” says Moon.

“For the sake of over 500,000 Australians employed in the ICT sector and an industry which exports $5.7 billion worth of goods and services, I think we deserve better.”

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