Alston's ICT initiatives for 2003 - News - Business

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This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
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Alston's ICT initiatives for 2003

By Senator Richard Alston, Federal Minister for Information Technology, Communications and the Arts
December 31, 2002
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/business/soa/Alston-s-ICT-initiatives-for-2003/0,139023166,120270924,00.htm

The initial signs of a recovery in the technology sector during 2002 have provided a solid platform for development of the Federal Government's ICT strategies in 2003.

A number of processes and initiatives begun this year will bear further fruit during the next twelve months.

The Government is committed to getting the various elements and policy settings right to enable full development of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

The recently passed Venture Capital Limited Partnerships (VCLP) legislation is one demonstration of the commitment to appropriate economic reform. Australia now has a 'world's best practice' environment for venture capital investment - which should reap significant rewards in 2003.

ICT R&D and commercialisation will continue to be a focus of the Government through the recently established AU$129 million ICT Centre of Excellence and the AU$76 million BITS incubator program. Attracting foreign investment in ICT will also be a focus through the implementation of Invest Australia's new marketing strategy under the 'Technology Australia' brand.

The Federal Government is working to better educate business and Government on the effective purchase and use of ICTs, facilitating greater collaboration and information sharing through the work of NOIE, the new e-Government strategy 'Better Services, Better Government,' the ICT SME Facilitation Package and the Information Management Strategy Committee.

The Government also recognises the need for effective infrastructure. The recently announced $42.5 million Australian Research and Education Network (AREN) network has clear synergies with the recommendations of the Estens Regional Telecommunications Inquiry, and the work of the Broadband Advisory Group (BAG).

The need for a coordinated national approach to address high bandwidth communications issues is a key theme that the Broadband Advisory Group has been considering. The Group's report is expected to be released early in the new year.

To fulfill the need for an overarching national ICT structure, the Framework for the Future report will also be launched shortly.

This report, developed through an exhaustive process of consultation, will provide a clear strategy for Government and industry to take Australian ICT forward - identifying clear opportunities for Australian innovation.

The report also considers the wider implications of the potential of information and communications technologies to transform the economy - which has been a key reason for Australia's strong economic and productivity growth of recent years.

In 2003, the Government will continue to deliver on its commitment to foster the growth of innovation and improved services and technology in the ICT sector, thereby benefiting the economy as a whole.