AIIA seizes digital economy & NBN initiative

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 07 September 2010 19:19

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

The AIIA has moved swiftly to stake its place as the lead industry body for the digital economy under the new government, and is calling for a whole of government digital economy summit within 90 days.

It has welcomed today's announcement of the formation of an ALP/Greens/Independents coalition by calling for work on the NBN to be resumed as a priority, positioning itself to be the "voice of the digital economy".

AIIA CEO, Ian Birks, said: "Given the high level of significance of the broadband issue, and in particular its resonance with the Independents, we now expect to see the rollout of the NBN prioritised in this Government's term."

He added: "Both Independents identified broadband as a major factor in their decision; we welcome this recognition for the importance of technology infrastructure to the future of the Australian economy, and particularly the emphasis on the need for consistent levels of access at a national level."

AIIA also announced that it was repositioning itself as the peak industry association for the ICT sector by being 'the voice of the digital economy'."

AIIA said it was "developing new strategies that will provide a collective voice for members with government, media and the public to promote a genuine digital economy in which all Australians benefit from the productivity growth, economic diversity and community development offered by modern technology innovation."

As a first step AIIA is calling for a digital economy implementation summit to be held with major industry representatives within the first 90 days of the new federal government. It says: "We believe this is essential to informing the value that will result from current and future infrastructure commitments," and claims that "a number of industry groups have already endorsed this approach."

"We must put in place new policy, incentive and investment levers to drive much higher levels of innovation through the adoption of technology by all businesses, large and small if we are to realise the real benefits on offer," said Birks.

"To deliver these benefits, both a broad community and business awareness campaign promoting the value of digital economy applications and services must be established, but more significantly, a significant policy investment must be made in order to realise a return on the investment being made in infrastructure."

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