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Queensland's ICT industry and government join forces

ACS staff, Information Age

18/10/2006 22:40:01

The ICT Industry Workgroup, representing the participating ICT associations in Queensland, and the Queensland Government has announced that it is in the process of developing a program plan of works in response to previously identified industry concerns with government procurement processes and the disconnect between industry development initiatives.

Earlier last year, the ICT Industry put forward a statement to the Premier articulating the value of the ICT Industry as one of significance for Queensland which can drive growth in Smart Jobs and Smart aExports, and secure the state's competitive position.

The Industry felt that the Queensland Government was not fully recognising the value of ICT as an industry providing the underlying productivity gains for the overall economy. It felt that both parties needed to be aligned in adopting a philosophy as the guideline for Queensland's and Queenslanders' mid and long-term economic prosperity - the "Main Game".

Queensland's Minister for IT Policy, Chris Cummins, said "A strong and healthy IT industry is essential to the development of the Smart State, which is why last year the Premier acted to address the concerns of Industry's by forming the Industry/Government ICT Group. Jointly Chaired by the Hon. Robert Schwarten, Minister for Public Works, Housing and Racing and myself, the Industry/Government ICT Group has demonstrated the benefits of government and industry communicating more closely to ensure better outcomes for both parties."

"The development of the Industry/Government ICT Program indicates the commitment by this Government to ensure that the ICT industry and its SMEs are given the support and focus that is warranted as they are valuable drivers for Queensland's economy."

Kon Kakanis, Chair, Software Queensland, also commented "The Industry/Government ICT Group was formed to consider Industry's concerns with regards to government procurement processes and policies having a negative impact on the Queensland ICT industry.

"Although the Industry appreciated the establishment of this group back in May last year, its views were also tempered by a realisation that it would be the long-term outcomes that would measure the true success of this joint Government/Industry process. We are pleased to announce today that the development of the Industry/Government ICT Program Plan will be a very positive outcome and a win for both the Government and Industry."

There are seven key areas for action which the Industry/Government ICT Program will focus on for Industry and government to work together to resolve these issues. Set objectives for each of these sub-projects under the Program Plan are:

• The 'Main Game": develop economic research and guidelines for the Main Game philosophy to consider the economic role of Queensland's ICT industry and how it affects the State's productivity, the economic role of government procurement in the growth of the industry and determine a strategy for future government and industry action given the findings of the research. • Whole-of-government: clearly outline to the ICT industry existing whole-of-government contract arrangements, the scope and coverage (agencies) of these arrangements and to ensure industry is kept up-to-date with these arrangements. • Changes in government procurement: to ensure current Queensland Government ICT procurement initiatives accurately consider Industry issues and opportunities for improvement and enable adequate engagement by the Government with the industry in the development of new policy and processes. • Reference site program: to determine the requirements for a reference site which showcases the outcomes of joint government/industry collaboration in ICT initiatives, with particular emphasis on promoting SMEs. • Review of government ICT industry development initiatives: to assess the need for a review of the quality and direction of the ICT industry development initiatives currently being undertaken across whole-of-government, to ensure they are delivering the best outcomes for both industry and government. • Governing technologists: to explore how the government and industry can address the issues arising from the government's ICT Skills Summit and industry's Technologist in the Public Interest initiative, including investigation of relevant models in other jurisdictions with a view to developing a depth of world-class ICT skills in the Queensland labour market. • SME market share and SME grants for ICT industry development: to promote support for SMEs through Government ICT procurement and industry development policy and initiatives and investigate potential for improved integration of existing industry development grants programs, particularly as they relate to SMEs.

"The industry has established a number of sub-working groups under the ICT Industry Workgroup comprising over 25 industry representatives to ensure the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience from industry can be drawn from to consider and resolve these issues. Additional industry representatives will be called upon to participate in a number of review panels and working groups as a result of the extensive levels of engagement with government that are being opened up," commented John Vickers, Queensland Chair, AIIA.

Mark Lloyd, Queensland Chair, ACS added, "There is a huge opportunity for the Industry and the Queensland Government to demonstrate to other state governments in Australia that this collaborative model is the way forward for the community. As has been proven with the conducting of the National Skills Summit in June, both industry and government have problems on a number of levels that are best solved by jointly looking at the skills shortages and the systemic issues such as industry identity, integrity, competency and how it governs itself. There is a huge challenge ahead for Australia in addressing these issues which will impact both government and industry and we can win this battle only if we work together."

Comprehensive development of the Industry/Government ICT Program is already under way and it is anticipated that a number of outcomes will be implemented by the end of this year. The program includes regular reviews to ensure deliverables are kept on track with an annual review to consider overall outcomes and requirements for future programs to be considered.

The ICT Industry Workgroup members said that the joint development of this program plan is a considerable achievement for the industry. The real work will start once it has been approved and implementation begun, giving industry an opportunity to shape its future.