‘ICT infrastructure is the primary infrastructure of the future… getting this right has the capacity to assist in the complete transformation of the way the government serves a community,’ Premier Bligh told the luncheon. 

Through the Smart State Strategy 2008-12, Queensland articulates a vision for the future where ‘knowledge, creativity and innovation drive economic growth to improve prosperity and quality of life,’ and aims to ‘develop into a knowledge-based economy’ to deliver that prosperity.

‘We are about to embark on a journey which will require us to fundamentally rethink the way we approach ICT in government,’ said Ms Bligh. ‘I want a genuine partnership with the ICT industry that helps the Government be more effective and helps the industry to grow.’

In delivering her vision, Ms Bligh identified eight areas for improvement in the Government’s approach to ICT. Included were removing uncertainty in ICT spending projections; requiring agencies to obtain external strategy advice on business cases and specifications; investment in ICT innovation; reducing the cost of doing business with government; and, increasing the Queensland Government’s overall spend on ICT.

'The Premier recognises ICT’s critical role in strong economic performance, and Queensland is listening to and will work closely with the industry to achieve its aims,' said AIIA CEO Ian Birks. ‘AIIA’s Queensland Branch has a history of strong engagement with the State Government, and it’s great to see the government engaging with the industry at this level.'

The Premier identified a role for ICT in Queensland that recognises its transformational power across all areas of the economy and community.

‘The work of the Queensland Government understands the significant transformation our economy must undertake, and specifically the importance of innovation and a strong knowledge-based economy,’ said National AIIA Chairman John Grant. ‘The underlying infrastructure for this innovation and transformation will be the widespread and skillful deployment of information and communication technologies in government and business.'

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, with Nick Tate, ACS Queensland, and Cathy Ford, AIIA Queensland.

Momentum is gathering for the first National ICT Careers week, which begins on 28 July this year to showcase the career opportunities available to current graduates across the industry. Events are being held around the country by over 70 companies, industry bodies, education institutions, and government agencies under the Start Here, Go Anywhere banner.

AIIA has access to an Immigration Outreach Officer from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

Brooke Thomas is available to AIIA members for advice and guidance regarding all migration matters including 457 and other visa options. As Brooke provides advice to other industry bodies as well, she is primarily available to the AIIA on Fridays and can be contacted on 0434 078 554 or via email at brooke.thomas@immi.gov.au.