Early indications are that the government is considering harmonisation with key developments in Europe and the US in each of these areas, meaning that these initiatives will not be mandatory in the Australian marketplace. This would represent AIIA’s preferred outcome and reflects the position being negotiated by AIIA on behalf of members and wider industry.

AIIA is also seeking the incorporation of green purchasing criteria into government procurement practices as part of these negotiations. Further details will be reported as discussions progress.

‘Developing a harmonised approach with other marketplaces will save industry manufacturers significant outlays. Mandatory labeling and mandatory energy standards would cause significant market disruption,’ said Josh Millen, AIIA Policy Manager, Environment & Corporate Social Responsibility.

AIIA, its members and Government officials are currently discussing details for the roll-out of a voluntary minimum energy efficiency and labelling program. If you would like to be involved, or would like to request more information about these initiatives, contact Josh Millen on 0417 231 137.

The Australian Government has proposed changes to sponsorship and employee protection arrangements that may apply in the future where the temporary entry to Australia of skilled workers and other people from overseas is sought.  AIIA has been approached as a key stakeholder to provide feedback on some of the proposed changes.

The proposed changes are part of a broader reform agenda for temporary skilled migration to Australia being led by senior Government Ministers. AIIA has provided a response to the Government on these issues; members seeking more information or ongoing involvement can contact AIIA Education and Skills Policy Manager Michel Hedley on 0417 695 616.

Through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, the Australian Government is currently undertaking a Review of Australian Higher Education. The review will look at a number of areas relevant to our industry, including meeting labour market and industry needs, higher education’s role in the national innovation system and the contribution of higher education to Australia’s economic, social and cultural capital.

Skills remain one of AIIA's five core policy priorities on behalf of the industry, and AIIA will be actively engaging with the Review. Among other areas, AIIA is particularly focused on the development of stronger links between industry and the education sector to ensure a uniform approach to the diversity of ICT-related curricula and the ongoing relevance of graduate skills. AIIA is also looking at programs to ensure that careers in ICT are promoted in a consistent and meaningful way across the university sector.

If you would like to contribute to ICT industry submissions on this issue, please contact Michel Hedley, AIIA Education and Skills Manager, on 02 9568 6601.

The tableing of Dr. Terry Cutler's report on Australia's National Innovation System has been delayed, with the report now to be delivered in September.

The following explanation has been provided on the Departmental website:

"The deadline for the report on the National Innovation System has been extended by one month. The report is now due to be released in September.
 
The Review Chair sought an extension of time because of the breadth of the task and the overwhelming response from stakeholders.
 
The time extension does not alter the Government's intention to issue an innovation White Paper before Christmas."

AIIA has provided a detailed submission to the Review on behalf of the ICT industry.

With over 200 sessions, 12 pre-conference workshops and five pre-day events, Microsoft’s Tech.Ed 2008 is an opportunity for IT professionals to learn from the experts, explore the latest solutions and connect with colleagues and peers. TechEd 2008 will be running in Sydney from September 1 to 5.