In its response to the Coalition’s failed “Framework for the Future” Report, the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has supported some of Labor’s criticisms of the Howard Government’s information and communications technology policies.
In particular, the AIIA calls for an extension to the Building on IT Strengths (BITS), business incubator program, and the reform of Government procurement practices.
Labor has previously argued for the retention of the incubator program. The Coalition is conducting a review of the BITS incubators, but has so far ruled out extending funding to this initiative.
Labor exposed how the Howard Government’s ICT procurement policies have been disastrous for Australia’s ICT industry, including the debacle of the IT outsourcing program.
The AIIA response also recommends that more effort be made to encourage private sector research and development. It was critical of the Framework for the Future Report in this regard, which, it said, “did not make any recommendations which directly address these vital issues.”
Labor knows that R&D, and commercialisation are vital for the strengthening of the ICT sector, and therefore the realisation of the sector’s potential for high wage, high skill jobs.
As Chair of the Framework for the Future Committee and Minister for Information Technology, Senator Alston was content to release a lazy document devoid of any new ideas for the ICT industry. The Framework for the Future Report was widely criticised throughout the ICT industry, and sank without a trace.
Media contact: Adina Cirson – (02) 6277 3334 or 0418 488 29
