AIIA welcomes Jane Hume as Federal Minister for the Digital Economy

THE Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), Australia’s peak industry representative body for innovation technology, has welcomed the Federal Government appointment of Senator Jane Hume to the position of Minister for the Digital Economy.

Minister Hume’s appointment follows calls from the AIIA made in its white paper, Building Australia’s Digital Future in a Post-COVID World.

The AIIA had called on the Federal Government to appoint a dedicated Minister to drive a whole-of-government approach to technology, the digital economy, cyber strategy and execution – working closely with industry. 

AIIA CEO, Ron Gauci said the announcement was a strong step in this direction, to acknowledge the importance of ICT in Australia’s economic recovery.

“The appointment of Minister Hume is great news not only for Australia’s ICT industry but for the entire Australian economy,” Mr Gauci said.

“The AIIA has been campaigning on behalf of our members for the government to recognise the importance of innovation technology across the economy and today’s announcement fulfils this request.

“We look forward to working closely with the Minister in support of the Government’s objective to ensure we have a globally leading digital economy by 2030,” he said.

“Government at all levels has a once in a lifetime opportunity for major reform and restructure of our economy and society. The AIIA believes the road to economic recovery is paved with innovation and investment in technology.

“Innovation technology enables our economy to become more globally competitive, independent and sustainable. Now is the time for governments to look beyond traditional infrastructure investment and to support ‘click ready’ digital projects that will support the country for generations to come. 

“Today’s announcement signals the importance the government holds for the ICT sector and Australia’s digital sovereignty. There are many opportunities for the government to support the development of skills and Australia’s digital infrastructure.

“The AIIA looks forward to discussing with Minister Hume how we can support these very important issues” Mr Gauci concluded.

The AIIA is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at growing and supporting Australia’s future social and economic prosperity through innovation technology.

www.aiia.com.au

The AIIA white paper: Building Australia’s Digital Future in a Post-COVID World

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