X
Government

NSW Labor guarantees IT jobs

NSW Labor has released its IT plan in the eleventh hour, guaranteeing jobs for the 5729 IT workers in the public sector and pledging extra Fraud Squad police to combat cyber crime and identity theft.
Written by Suzanne Tindal, Contributor

NSW Labor has released its IT plan in the eleventh hour, guaranteeing jobs for the 5729 IT workers in the public sector and pledging extra Fraud Squad police to combat cyber crime and identity theft.

Kristina Keneally

Kristina Keneally (Credit: Luke Hopewell/ZDNet Australia)

"NSW Labor knows we need a skilled ICT workforce to deliver safe online services for NSW businesses and families," NSW Premier Kristina Keneally said in a statement.

"Barry O'Farrell needs to face up to ICT workers across NSW and tell them whether he will send their jobs overseas if he is elected."

The NSW Coalition has put forward a plan for more collaboration between IT agencies and centralised IT governance and strategy.

"As programs and investments are not aligned, there is huge duplication of effort and critical financial resources are wasted," Shadow Financial Management Minister Greg Pearce said earlier this month in a statement.

In addition to its "iron-clad" guarantee for jobs, The Keneally Government will also hire an extra 20 Fraud Squad Police Officers to fight cyber crime.

"People want reassurance that their private information is safe and secure from the growing threat of cyber crime and identity theft," Keneally said.

The Coalition has pledged new minimum security standards for electronic information in government departments.

Keneally also said that the government would continue its $36 million digital economy strategy.

The Labor government has previously pledged that it would provide free Wi-Fi on public transport, including Cityrail trains.

There has also been funding provided for radio upgrades and other initiatives in the emergency services and police sectors.

Editorial standards