The State’s tech sector has welcomed the return of a science and technology minister saying it must be fully supported in the coming State Budget.
President of TasICT David Mills said incoming Minister Madeleine Ogilvie knew the science and tech sector well and could hit the ground running at a vital time.
“The focus has to be growing the digital economy, including supporting tech businesses to succeed and expand and employ more Tasmanians.”
“It’s clear that the tech industry underpins so much of the economy – from our primary industries, health, utilities, financial services, manufacturing and emerging sectors through to the more efficient delivery of public services.”
“Spending on tech changes Tasmania for the better and it underpins what kind of State we will have in the future.”
Mr Mills said the portfolio needs to now be fully supported with a dedicated budget allocation.
“There is not a moment to lose, Tasmania needs to renew its digital economy plan – Our Digital Future – which was first released in 2020 and needs to be updated to uncover new opportunities and plan the next three years.”
“Urgent funding priorities are to also ensure existing businesses are supported to succeed through the Buy Local scheme actually working to help local tech business secure State Government business.”
“It’s time for the State Government to create a dedicated tech fund that can leverage investment from communications carriers – currently Tasmania misses out on millions of dollars of communications investment because it does not see network expansion as a priority.”
“And the current drop-off in STEM students needs to be addressed by urgently working with the University of Tasmania to secure further investment in modern STEM facilities that can ensure more Tasmanians are taking up STEM subjects as a career.”
Mr Mills thanks the Premier for listening to industry and re-establishing the ministry. He also would paid tribute to outgoing Minister Eric Abetz who had made himself open and accessible to the industry in the first 100 days.
“I am immensely proud of the ICT Industry in Tasmania who rose to the challenge of speaking as one about the need for a dedicated minister – we campaigned strongly and respectfully for the return of a minister and now it’s our responsibility to play our part in driving Tasmania’s tech future.”