Published Monday, 04 December, 2006 at 05:00 PM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
MICKEL REINFORCES GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR ICT INDUSTRY
Minister for State Development John Mickel tonight met with key members of Queensland’s booming information and communication technology (ICT) industry reinforcing his support of the sector and its value to Queensland.
Speaking at a networking event organised by the Department of State Development and Trade’s Information Industries Bureau (IIB), Mr Mickel gave guests an update on the status of the Government’s ICT Industry Development Strategy.
“ICT has long been a priority for the Beattie Government and is part of one of the most senior portfolios,” Mr Mickel said.
“That is an indication of our Government’s vision and the fact that we understand the impact of ICT on almost every industry in Queensland.
“To remain the Smart State, we must nurture and encourage growth in our ICT industry as it has the capacity to boost productivity in all other industries.
“In 2004, the Queensland Government launched the ‘Smart ICT: taking it to the world’ strategy. This is a four year growth strategy and the 39 recommendations within it are all well advanced.”
Mr Mickel said a progress report on the strategy has been prepared and highlights to date include the launch this year of the Fast Tracking Growth Program to develop the next generation of leading ICT companies.
He also cited the Corporate Engagement Program which forges links between large ICT corporations and smaller Queensland-based ICT firms.
“Partnering with multinationals gives smaller firms expanded opportunities in overseas markets and provides larger corporations with access to innovative new products,” he said.
“One of the most important elements to the Strategy though is addressing Queensland’s ICT skills strategy which is why we held the National ICT Skills Summit in Brisbane in June,” Mr Mickel said.
“The Summit attracted industry leaders, academics, policy makers and educators from Australia-wide and was hailed as a watershed event for the Australian ICT industry.
“The Summit was the launching pad for a new ICT Career Start Program to aid the ICT industry and other large ICT-dependent industries to address the skills issue through projects and events that highlight the attractions of ICT.
“We want to encourage them to promote ICT career opportunities at career and study expos and perhaps even develop initiatives like ‘ICT holidays camps’ for school children.”
Mr Mickel said that organisations can apply for between $10,000 and $25,000 for projects that fit the ICT Career Start Program guidelines. Round One closed on 27 October and recipients will be announced shortly.
The Minister also revealed that in 2007, an ICT Export Action Plan will be developed to demonstrate Government plans for promoting Queensland ICT products and services internationally.
More information is available on the ‘Smart ICT: taking it to the world’ strategy is available online at www.iib.qld.gov.au/industry/ICT_Strategy/strategy.asp
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
Speaking at a networking event organised by the Department of State Development and Trade’s Information Industries Bureau (IIB), Mr Mickel gave guests an update on the status of the Government’s ICT Industry Development Strategy.
“ICT has long been a priority for the Beattie Government and is part of one of the most senior portfolios,” Mr Mickel said.
“That is an indication of our Government’s vision and the fact that we understand the impact of ICT on almost every industry in Queensland.
“To remain the Smart State, we must nurture and encourage growth in our ICT industry as it has the capacity to boost productivity in all other industries.
“In 2004, the Queensland Government launched the ‘Smart ICT: taking it to the world’ strategy. This is a four year growth strategy and the 39 recommendations within it are all well advanced.”
Mr Mickel said a progress report on the strategy has been prepared and highlights to date include the launch this year of the Fast Tracking Growth Program to develop the next generation of leading ICT companies.
He also cited the Corporate Engagement Program which forges links between large ICT corporations and smaller Queensland-based ICT firms.
“Partnering with multinationals gives smaller firms expanded opportunities in overseas markets and provides larger corporations with access to innovative new products,” he said.
“One of the most important elements to the Strategy though is addressing Queensland’s ICT skills strategy which is why we held the National ICT Skills Summit in Brisbane in June,” Mr Mickel said.
“The Summit attracted industry leaders, academics, policy makers and educators from Australia-wide and was hailed as a watershed event for the Australian ICT industry.
“The Summit was the launching pad for a new ICT Career Start Program to aid the ICT industry and other large ICT-dependent industries to address the skills issue through projects and events that highlight the attractions of ICT.
“We want to encourage them to promote ICT career opportunities at career and study expos and perhaps even develop initiatives like ‘ICT holidays camps’ for school children.”
Mr Mickel said that organisations can apply for between $10,000 and $25,000 for projects that fit the ICT Career Start Program guidelines. Round One closed on 27 October and recipients will be announced shortly.
The Minister also revealed that in 2007, an ICT Export Action Plan will be developed to demonstrate Government plans for promoting Queensland ICT products and services internationally.
More information is available on the ‘Smart ICT: taking it to the world’ strategy is available online at www.iib.qld.gov.au/industry/ICT_Strategy/strategy.asp
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.