Opening the SFF, Ian Birks, CEO of the AIIA said, “Developing and promoting the environmental values of our industry is one of AIIA’s top strategic priorities.  The Australian ICT industry is very conscious of reducing the carbon footprint of its infrastructure and products as they form the foundation of modern business.  Information technologies are set to play an absolutely critical role in driving sustainable transformation across other industries.”

The Review of the National Innovation System - Venturous Australia - chaired by Dr Terry Cutler delivered a comprehensive and timely report into Australia’s innovation ecosystem. AIIA's response the Venturous Australia recommendations can be downloaded through the AIIA website.

Government representatives held a briefing on the Digital Education Revolution on 1 October, as part of the Australian Council for Computers in Education Conference.

Educators and suppliers had the opportunity to find out more about the status of the project, and industry engagement emerged as a key theme: many companies are interested in finding opportunities within the program as it rolls out over the next five years.

AIIA has been engaging with the program and connecting members to its development, and will continue to take a strong interest in the future of Digital Education policy and strategy in Australia. Federal Government Digital Education initiatives represent far more than a hardware investment; it will have implications for industry across the board, in areas ranging from services and content to security solutions.

The program provides a massive investment in the future of the digital economy in Australia, delivering $1.2 billion to secondary schools over five years. Further funding has already been identified for implementation and support activities.

Key issues for members and the wider industry include infrastructure availability and access, the development of common standards and interoperability, and teacher skills to maximise the value of this investment.

Members interested understanding the opportunities available and engaging with AIIA's ongoing involvement with the Digital Education Revolution should contact AIIA's National Workforce Policy Manager, Michael Hedley. 

Austrade is seeking industry feedback and your support through the Austrade 2008 ICT Industry Survey.

AIIA is involved in a wide range of activities designed to promote the value of a career in ICT to Australian students, parents and educators. Where the appropriate skills are simply not available in the domestic market, skilled migration has become a common way that Australian employers source the skills they need for their businesses.

The ICT industry remains the highest user of skilled migration programs, and most employers across the industry are aware of the 457 visa scheme.

However, sponsoring temporary workers is not the only way to secure skilled people for your business when the Australian workforce is unable to meet demand. Did you know you can sponsor skilled overseas workers for permanent residence? There are two visa pathways to consider.

Leading the way in global IT, Asian and Oceanian economies have steadily accelerated the pace for investing in education, research and development.

The ATOM Awards recognise the adaption and use of new technologies and innovation in the film, television, animation and multimedia industries. This year you have a chance to see the latest Australian screen talent on show at the free ATOM screenings in Federation Square, Melbourne.

To lighten the load on your inbox, the AIIA Bulletin has moved from weekly to fortnightly publishing.