The State’s tech industry says the expansion of science and tech in the new Rockliff Ministry is the tonic Tasmania needs to get the digital economy moving.
TasICT General Manager Russell Kelly said that after a faltering start, the State Government had finally got its priorities right and now saw the enormous economic potential in focusing on smart industries, innovation and the digital economy.
“The tech sector welcomes the expansion of the Science and Technology portfolio – Minister Madeleine Ogilvie can hit the ground running in the expanded remit.
“It’s crucial that the Government now adequately fund the expanded portfolio so that innovation and smart technology can become a regular feature of State Government activity.
“The new Ministry of Innovation, Science, and the Digital Economy is exactly what the tech sector has been calling for.
“Technology jobs in our digital economy are spread across all sectors, and the reshuffle emphasises that Tasmania has to make every industry a smart industry if we are to provide the economic activity to lift Tasmania and provide opportunity for Tasmanians.”
Mr Kelly said a survey of TasICT members in September revealed 85 per cent of industry respondents believed the State Government was not doing enough to advance the digital economy in Tasmania.
The survey of members also ratified results from other recent national surveys that showed the tech industry was facing headwinds in the current economic times and government focus was critical.
Mr Kelly said linking the environment portfolio with science and technology would also enable Tasmania’s world-class scientists and technologists to gain more support for important projects.
“We look forward to now working with Governments to shine a spotlight on the digital economy and introduce continual improvement and innovation as a fact of life across all sectors in Tasmania.”
The tech sector in Tasmania represents an annual value of more than $1.7 billion to the State’s economy and employs more than 9,600 Tasmanians.
20 October 2024