The ICT industry in Queensland has announced a 100,000 jobs lifeline for Queenslanders, including the creation of 30,000 new jobs on top of maintaining the industry’s existing 70,000 jobs in the state.

The group also called for an overhaul of the Queensland Government’s policies in relation to the ICT industry that currently employs 70,000 Queenslanders and has an annual turnover of nearly $30 billion, which it says is more jobs than in mining and agriculture combined.

In Brisbane today to voice their concerns, 100 of Queensland’s ICT industry leaders called for government’s urgent support of their jobs creation strategy and, with the state election campaign in full swing, they called on each of the political parties to urgently release their policies prior to the election to enable the 70,000 people employed by the industry to make an informed decision.

They also called on Premier Anna Bligh and Opposition Leader, Lawrence Springborg, to provide “a clear and unequivocal commitment to the ICT industry’s “100,000 jobs in 100 days” strategy prior to the election.”

The ICT Industry Workgroup executive officer, Dr Paul Campbell, said the ICT industry in Queensland had the potential to “lead the way in job creation in today’s recession,” and, he maintained that the state could have a strategy in place within the first 100 days of the next Queensland Government to provide 100,000 jobs for Queenslanders, which includes the creation of 30,000 new jobs.

“But this strategy needs the support of the next Queensland Government and we’re calling on Premier Bligh and Lawrence Springborg to urgently release their policies relevant to the ICT industry.
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