Based on the feedback of our members, it has a fresh new look and feel. It also features a redesigned, user-friendly membership and event registration system. Employees of member companies who sign in using their work e-mail address will automatically be offered member-only pricing and benefits without having to obtain or confirm their member company token.

The events calendar has also been improved, making it easier to stay in touch with the ICT industry in your area.

Feedback on  the new website is welcome - please let us know how we can make it even better.

The Prime Minister has announced a 2020 Summit in to be held in Canberra in April 2008.  Given the limited number of invitees, the PM has stated that 'Contributing a submission to the Australia 2020 Summit is a way for all Australians to be involved in bringing the best ideas forward to address Australia's long term challenges.'

AIIA will be putting forward a submission (perhaps a number of submissions) and this is your opportunity to contribute to that process.

When considering submissions, please note:

* Submissions, which will be signed off by the AIIA Board,  must be received by the Secretariat no later than 5:00pm Wednesday 22 March 2008  in order to make the PM's deadline.

* Written submissions (by any person or organisation) are limited to 500 words per topic and should focus on one of the ten identified areas. The most relevant areas for AIIA are:

• Australian Economy - future directions for the Australian economy – including education, skills, training, science and innovation as part of the nation's productivity agenda.
• Infrastructure - economic infrastructure, the digital economy and the future of our cities

AIIA's current considerations:

There are three critical success factors to enable the ICT industry to continue to drive a sustainable and globally competitive Australia by 2020:

1. availability of appropriate skills
2. low cost and pervasive infra-structure
3. a business climate which encourages both global and domestic companies to invest in Australia.

 It is our intention at this stage to enter three submission under these areas. Your thoughts, and most importantly your solutions, are sought!

Your contributions may be sent to AIIA in any form (dot points, notes etc.) but in keeping with the word limit, please keep your thoughts 'short and sharp'. Thank you.

Your submission can play an important role in the national discussion about our future and how Australia's long term future challenges are faced. We believe that it is essential that AIIA becomes involved as a key driver in the thought process for our sector.

Please send any information or submissions to Ron Forrester by email or telephone (02) 6281 9408 for more details.

AIIA and Austrade joined forces to take a delegation of ICT companies to the NASSCOM Leadership Forum in Mumbai, India, for the first time. The conclusion from most delegates was that it was a very successful and productive exercise. The Delegation visited Mumbai from 12 to 16 February and attended the Forum from 13th to 15th.

The AIIA Salary Survey is Australia’s most comprehensive survey of ICT industry salary rates and provides an accurate insight into the current marketplace.  The March 2008 Survey has now been released, and is only available to AIIA members.