QLD software developers back State Govt ICT review

Stan Beer
Monday, 16 October 2006 17:47

IT Industry - Market

Software developers peak-body Software Queensland has given the thumbs up to the creation of a new ICT portfolio in the North Eastern state.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie tabled the Review of ICT Governance in Parliament last Thursday, announcing a more strategic approach to delivering cross-government information and communication technology services and a focus on managing relationships with key ICT suppliers to the Queensland government.

Software Queensland says that with a rapidly increasing population that is becoming more technologically aware, the Government needs to be at the vanguard of ICT strategy to ensure excellence in cross-government service delivery.

Software Queensland was formed more than two years ago as an advocate for Queensland software developers that license and sell their own intellectual property. Today the association has more than 60 member companies from software developers including national and internationally known ICT enterprises such as Mincom, Wotif, GBST, Technology One, Shortcuts Software, Softlink, Icemedia and Avand.

Newly elected Software Queensland Chairman John Puttick says use of technology is now so pervasive in everyone’s lives, that expectation of secure, instantaneous and cost-effective access to services is regarded as the norm.

He says Queensland firms are at the forefront of software development and delivery and are well placed to work with the Government to ensure its ICT delivery targets are met.

“The expanding Queensland ICT industry already represents 62,000 employees and $21 billion in revenue to the State, making it one of the largest contributors to the State’s economy,” Mr Puttick said.

Government decisions on policy that impact software developers need to be carefully considered as they could, ultimately, impact the economy of Queensland. The Government is getting it right with the recommendations out of this review.

“Queensland is fortunate to be able to look to its own suppliers for ICT solutions, specifically tailored for local requirements, which would otherwise have to be purchased overseas. Software Queensland looks forward to working with Minister Schwarten to achieve Smart State objectives,” he said.