Australian information and communications technology imports cost almost $20 billion in 2001-02 – twice as much as was spent on imported motor vehicles
The Coalition’s failure to encourage the development of Australia’s information and communications technology (ICT) industry is directly responsible for the huge size of the $14.4 billion ICT trade deficit in 2001-02, the Shadow Minister for Information Technology, Senator Kate Lundy said today.
Referring to an Australian Computer Society report released today which found that Australia’s deficit on ICT trade accounted for 65% of the Current Account Deficit in 2001-02, Senator Lundy said “this appalling deficit demonstrates that Australia needs to build its local ICT industry further.
“The Minister for Information Technology has previously stated that the ICT trade deficit is not worth worrying about, but if it accounts for 65% of the current account deficit, you would have to disagree.
“To tackle this huge trade deficit, Australia needs to concentrate on producing more ICT, rather than simply being an ICT consumer. Over the long term, global demand for ICT will increase, and it makes sense for Australia to contribute to this market.”
Senator Lundy criticised the Coalition’s current ICT industry development strategies as being “ineffectual”.
“After more than six years in office, the Coalition’s major commitment to the ICT industry was to form yet another committee – the Framework for the Future Committee.
“Yet nine months after they announced it, the Coalition has point blank refused to tell us when the Committee will report, or even whether the findings of the Committee will be released!” Senator Lundy said.
“Labor continues to call on the Government to take an active role in promoting ICT industry development in order to start making an impact on this enormous deficit.
“The Federal Government should start by giving Australia’s many quality ICT firms a fairer go when purchasing ICT products and services. For years the Government has favoured foreign multinational corporations for this work, which has contributed to this deficit,” Senator Lundy concluded.
Media contact: Jason Ives on (02) 6277 3334 or 0411 237 683
