AIIA slaps wrists of Victorian parties over ICT policies

Stan Beer
Thursday, 23 November 2006 15:38

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has called on both the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and Liberal Party to acknowledge the importance of the ICT industry, after neither party released a formal ICT policy in the lead-up to Sunday’s Victorian state election.

AIIA requests the ICT policies of the major parties at elections (federal and state) to provide advice to its members and the broader ICT industry regarding the parties’ ICT initiatives, which may assist them in determining their voting intention.

AIIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sheryle Moon says, “While we are pleased that both the Labor and Liberal parties have responded to our request, it is disappointing that neither party has a released a fully-developed ICT policy.

“The ICT industry makes a significant contribution to Victoria’s Gross State Product, but more importantly, underpins productivity growth and many of the activities Victorians undertake in their daily lives.

“For an industry of this significance, we would have expected formal policy statements.”

AIIA indicated to the parties that the key areas its members wished to see addressed included industry development (particularly regarding small and medium enterprises), skills, investment and the commercial arrangements relating to government procurement.

While chiding both parties for not releasing policy statements the AIIA has given the incumbent Labor Government the edge in articulating its ICT vision for Victoria.

“While not a formal policy, the ALP has delivered a comprehensive set of initiatives,” says Sheryle Moon.

“Importantly, the Bracks Government clearly acknowledges the significant role ICT plays in the continued economic growth of Victoria.