We are now at a time when it appears that the ICT industry in Australia is lifting. With the jobs market indicating steady growth (according to the Olivier Job Index, technology sector jobs are up 60.4 percent on last year), and more tenders being generated by government and corporations, it’s time for Australia’s ICT associations to look towards the future.

In April, AIIA together with the Australian Electronic & Electrical Manufacturers Association (AEEMA) recognised that the best way to support and strengthen Australia’s technology-based industries well into the twenty-first century was to merge to create a new, modern organisation.

The boards of both associations have formed a steering committee to oversee a feasibility study of the proposed merger and that is now underway.

As technology, the business environment, and domestic and global policies and regulations change, AIIA and AEEMA are unanimous in their desire to build a business organisation capable of effectively representing the interests of Australia’s high tech industry.

Both associations recognise the need for ‘one voice’ for the industry. Amalgamating the two associations has the potential to build a powerful voice more able to convey the importance of ICT as an enabler across all industries.

Both AIIA and AEEMA have a strategic vision for the ICT industry – a vision which ensures the ICT industry’s contribution to the economy, society and Australia’s place on the global stage is recognised and rewarded.

By joining forces, AIIA and AEEMA would be better positioned to carry out that vision, and to lobby the Australian Government to adopt an interlocking plan for the ICT industry, rather than a potpourri of strategies.

At present, the growth of the ICT industry in Australia is being hindered by serious fragmentation. For example, while there have been a number of individually well-intentioned bodies and programs such as the Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs), BITS incubator program, National ICT Australia (NICTA) and Software Engineering Australia (now integrated with AIIA), they don’t fit within the context of an cohesive plan, nor do the wide range of state programs available.

Similarly, while there are a multitude of industry grants at state and federal levels (such as R&D, Export Market Development Grants, COMET and other investment assistance), there is no correlation between these grants that enables small companies to see a progressive path from establishment through to globalisation.

With the background of frustration in mind, the boards of both AIIA and AEEMA have asked the question: ‘should we continue to grow our presence organically or is it time to build a larger body that is fully representative of a wider band of technologies?’

If the merger proves feasible, collaboration between the two associations will be cemented with the creation of an organisation with a more powerful and effective voice, with more resources available to:
- write policy-influencing research papers,
- lobby more collaboratively with other business associations,
- deliver services at a deeper and more specialised level,
- able to represent small and large organisations,
- provide linkages and channels for member companies to expand their businesses internationally, and
- influence public perception and appreciation of the contributions that ICT, electronics and electrical manufacturing industries make to national economic and social outcomes.

AEEMA, being the other large association in the ICT sector, is a natural potential partner. The move towards amalgamation is not about one association taking over another association, or growing for the sake of growth, but rather to carry out a vision which would see the ICT industry recognised as an enabler underpinning Australia’s economy.

Such recognition will deliver greater investment in our industry by both the government and corporate sectors, which in turn will ensure a greater impact on education, government commitment, focus on our national capability and put weight behind Australia as the truly ‘clever country’.

Both AIIA and AEEMA are keen to ensure member companies and stakeholders are well informed of intent and process, have the opportunity to input comments, concerns and ideas, and feel comfortable with the level of transparency and disclosure. At present, member companies of both organisations have been asked to provide feedback on the proposed merger, and to help shape what promises to be a major step forward in industry representation for our dynamic sectors.

As Chairman of AIIA, I ask you to get involved, state your position so that AIIA’s Board can represent the collective interests of AIIA membership.

John Price
Chairman
Australian Information Industry Association