The audience of more than 850 people from the local ICT industry, government, media and broader community heard first hand Mr Trujillo's vision for Australia, which includes Telstra's recently-launched Next G™ network, Australia's fastest and largest mobile broadband network.

Mr Trujillo echoed the sentiments of AIIA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sheryle Moon, who argued that the “real revolution is about to begin… ICT will literally transform every aspect of business, life and society.”

Speaking at the luncheon today in Brisbane, AIIA's Chief Executive Officer, Sheryle Moon told the audience that the ICT revolution has just begun.

"There is strong evidence that the last 20 years was just the warm up as the tools that enable collaboration and connection were forged, sharpened and distributed," Ms Moon said.

EDS’ Vice President of Applications Delivery for Australia & New Zealand and Asia, Scott Ayer, has been appointed Chairman of AIIA in South Australia.

On Friday, AIIA acknowledged that the new changes to the machinery of government in Victoria will elevate the status of the ICT industry across the whole of government.

However, the multiple departments which now have some responsibility for ICT will present new challenges for industry to effectively deliver its message, the peak ICT industry body says.

The Bracks Government announced that the staff and resources of the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Multimedia Victoria and Chief Technology Officer would be reallocated.

The Premier has created a new Information Systems and Infrastructure Office (ISIO) in the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF), a new Office of Transformation in the Department of Victorian Communities (DVC) and a new Information Industries Victoria in The Department on Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD).

There are a number of advantages to the Victorian Government’s decision to have a central agency responsible for ICT and finance, says Sheryle Moon, Chief Executive Officer of AIIA.

“By moving the responsibility of ICT to the Department of Treasury and Finance, the Bracks Government has recognised the importance of the ICT industry as a key enabler across countless other industries.  ICT will be at the heart of government decision making, which we welcome,” Ms Moon says. 

AIIA is particularly pleased that Tim Holding will lead the state’s ICT portfolio.

“We are delighted to have a technology-savvy, enthusiastic minister who is moving up the ranks and who will be a dedicated advocate to champion the interests of the ICT industry in Victoria,” Ms Moon says.

As Minister for ICT, Mr Holding will be responsible for government as a consumer of ICT products and services, as well as industry development of ICT.  Minister Holding also leads the expenditure review process. 

“In reviewing government’s investment in ICT, Minister Holding will be well-placed to understanding the productivity improvements associated with the application of ICT across the Victorian economy,” Ms Moon explains. 

AIIA is also pleased with the Bracks Government’s acknowledgement of the underpinning nature of ICT by creating the new Information Industries Victoria.

“It is vitally important that the ICT industry in Victoria continues to be nurtured and recognised for its significant contributions to Victoria’s Gross State Product, and to productivity growth across countless other sectors of the Victorian economy,” Ms Moon explains.

The new structure will pose some challenges for industry, with ICT being spread across five contact points, including three ministers and two parliamentary secretaries.

“With ICT now divided over three portfolios, connecting with government may be more complex and costly for industry.  It still remains to be seen whether Minister Holding will act as a conduit for the ICT industry on all matters relating to innovation, industry development and government procurement,” Ms Moon says.

AIIA remains positive about the changes to the interface between industry and government.

“While this restructuring may add some complexities to our relationship with the Victorian Government, we see this as an opportunity to take a whole of government approach to connecting with more departments, and look forward to having more advocates of the ICT industry in the Victorian Government,” Ms Moon adds.

“We will enthusiastically continue our work with the Victorian Government to remove market inhibitors and develop programs and policies which strengthen our industry – in Victoria, Australia and internationally,” Sheryle Moon concludes.

Following the introduction of the Gateway Review Process by the Australian Government mid year, AIIA members have been asking about the process, particularly the potential impact on suppliers who do business with government.

The first of three changes to the Trade Practices Act has now been passed and will come into law early in the New Year.  Guest contributor, David Lieberman of David Lieberman and Associates, provides a brief summary of some of the key changes.