Published Wednesday, 17 September, 2008 at 05:28 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
ICT, HOUSING ON AGENDA FOR VISIT TO UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Information and Communication Technology Minister Robert Schwarten will meet with executives from some of the world’s top ICT companies and study the latest trends in eGovernment and whole-of-government consolidation during a visit to the United States of America and Canada.
Mr Schwarten said he would meet with the Dell Corporation, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Cisco and Google during the visit which starts tomorrow.
“Information and communication technology is a fast-paced, constantly evolving industry and it is changing the ways that governments deal with information, do business and deliver services,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The IT industry is also of vital importance to Queensland as we seek to build the nation’s strongest economy, powered by bright ideas.
“The IT industry employs more than 77,000 people, and generates an estimated total revenue of $23.6 billion, and export revenue of $1.3 billion.
“The Queensland Government spends around $1 billion annually on ICT and we want to ensure we get value for money.
“Continuing innovation in ICT will be the key to addressing some of the biggest challenges facing Queensland in the future.
“That’s why I am travelling to the United States and Canada to meet top executives from some of the world’s largest and most influential ICT companies – to see the latest developments in the industry and enhance the Queensland Government’s relationship with these companies.”
Mr Schwarten will also meet staff from the Government of the State of Texas, which is a recognised leader in ICT consolidation across government; the Chief Information Officer of the Canadian Government; and discuss ICT infrastructure, data centre consolidation and network technologies with Boeing.
In addition, he will meet with a number of housing organisations including the United States’ District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development; the Office Municipal d’Habitation de Montreal; and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
“This visit is an excellent opportunity to discuss how different governments manage their social housing and to exchange ideas,” Mr Schwarten said.
Mr Schwarten will be accompanied on the trip by the Directors-General of the Departments of Public Works and Housing, Mal Grierson and Natalie MacDonald, and his ICT policy advisor, Chris Cummins.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832
Mr Schwarten said he would meet with the Dell Corporation, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, Cisco and Google during the visit which starts tomorrow
“Information and communication technology is a fast-paced, constantly evolving industry and it is changing the ways that governments deal with information, do business and deliver services,” Mr Schwarten said.
“The IT industry is also of vital importance to Queensland as we seek to build the nation’s strongest economy, powered by bright ideas.
“The IT industry employs more than 77,000 people, and generates an estimated total revenue of $23.6 billion, and export revenue of $1.3 billion.
“The Queensland Government spends around $1 billion annually on ICT and we want to ensure we get value for money.
“Continuing innovation in ICT will be the key to addressing some of the biggest challenges facing Queensland in the future.
“That’s why I am travelling to the United States and Canada to meet top executives from some of the world’s largest and most influential ICT companies – to see the latest developments in the industry and enhance the Queensland Government’s relationship with these companies.”
Mr Schwarten will also meet staff from the Government of the State of Texas, which is a recognised leader in ICT consolidation across government; the Chief Information Officer of the Canadian Government; and discuss ICT infrastructure, data centre consolidation and network technologies with Boeing.
In addition, he will meet with a number of housing organisations including the United States’ District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development; the Office Municipal d’Habitation de Montreal; and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
“This visit is an excellent opportunity to discuss how different governments manage their social housing and to exchange ideas,” Mr Schwarten said.
Mr Schwarten will be accompanied on the trip by the Directors-General of the Departments of Public Works and Housing, Mal Grierson and Natalie MacDonald, and his ICT policy advisor, Chris Cummins.
Media contact: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832