AIIA Outlines Election Wishlist
AIIA Outlines Election Wishlist
September 10, 2007: With the federal election still uncalled, but looming all the same, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has rolled out it’s 2007 policy wishlist, with the emphasis on sustainability, growth, worker retention and an evolution of government procurement framework.
The AIIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sheryle Moon, says that the peak information and communication technology (ICT) association’s four key themes are aimed at advancing the influence of the ICT industry in Australia, and delivering benefits to the industry and the broader economy.
“We recognise that our society in general, and our industry in particular, is experiencing a tremendous rate of change. This, coupled with three-year political terms, has shaped a set of measurable priorities focused on medium-term outcomes,” said Moon.
“Addressing these issues will improve the business environment for the industry and foster growth for ICT companies and the Australian economy as a whole,” added Moon.
When discussing a sustainable environment, the association recommends the implementation of an equitable, viable and sustainable national product take-back scheme, and one under its leadership. It suggests that the Government should offer procurement and/or tax incentives to those companies addressing environmental issues and developing ICT solutions that benefit the environment.
When it comes to workers, the AIIA wants the Government to play a significant role in the further development and implementation of a national ICT careers campaign, using the Victorian Government’s successful 'ICT: Start Here. Go Anywhere' campaign as a basis to move forward with.
The association also wants to see a continued evolution of the government’s procurement framework in order to ensure SMEs and multinational companies have equal opportunity bidding for government contracts.
To do this, it suggests that the Government support the development of a national framework for industry collaboration, encouraging ICT companies to form alliances to increase their ability to compete on the world stage. It also believes the Government should commit to reducing the cost of tendering itself to less than nine percent of a contracts total value by 2010 via best practice implementation.
The issue of our broadband infrastructure also remains high on the AIIA’s agenda, with the association welcoming the broadband proposals of both the Australian Government and the Opposition.
The AIIA claims it will now begin an intense lobbying campaign targeting both major parties in the lead-up to this years impending federal election.
“We want ICT to be an important factor when political parties are formulating their election policies – and we are determined to work hard over the next six months to facilitate this,” said Moon.
“ICT is a critical factor in determining the success of Australia’s economic performance and the future well-being of our nation. ICT accounts for 4.6 percent of GDP, and makes a greater contribution to GDP than the agriculture, defence and education sectors, so it’s vital that our nation’s government decision-makers develop policies and programs which support and develop our essential industry,” she added.
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