NBN Committee warned of looming IT skills shortage

Stuart Corner
Sunday, 31 July 2011 09:40

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Capgemini Australia has warned the Joint Standing Committee on the NBN that there looming skills shortage in the IT industry and without the Government promoting skills locally, the only option for business is to source from offshore.

'The message was loud and clear that we as a nation have an opportunity for skills training and growth, and that without some greater thinking and work, it will quickly become a lost opportunity for Australia,' committee chair Rob Oakeshott said.

'The committee is looking at workforce issues in relation to the NBN, and the broader question of skills and training is an important part of this. The NBN rollout should not just be a consumer stimulus package on information and communications technology.

"Arguably, and more importantly, it needs to be an industry IT stimulus package. Making sure industry can maximise this opportunity would be, and should be, a smart contribution to productivity for Australia." He promised that the committee would investigate the issue further.