AIIA Media Advisory - Digital Economy

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) welcomes today’s announcement of the Future Directions ‘road map’ for the development of Australia’s Digital Economy. The paper was developed by the Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy and released by the Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy.

“The Australian Information Industry Association applauds the focus and intentions of the paper, which is very timely,” said AIIA CEO Ian Birks. “This paper, which has been developed in close consultation with the ICT industry, shows that we are headed in the right direction.  It has outlined the foundations that are being laid for the success of Australia’s digital future.”

Some of the key attributes in the paper that the AIIA supports are:

• The acknowledgement that the National Broadband Network will support and drive the development of vital elements of a future digital economy. This includes value added services and a content-rich environment that drives new consumer behaviours, enhanced community connections, competitive business models and open, consultative government.
  
• Identifying the government, community and industry as primary stakeholders who will need to work closely together to create a successful digital economy.  The AIIA believes the ICT industry itself needs to be engaged as a critical stakeholder to drive a deeper understanding of the possibilities offered by the digital economy within government, industry and the wider community.
  
• Developing a common understanding of what success will look like as Australia plans for the development of a digital economy.

Birks added, “The digital economy has the potential to transform Australia’s economy.  The ICT sector is ready and willing to work with the Government in whatever ways it can to deliver this transformation by creating the awareness, understanding and ultimately, the adoption of the right technologies and processes.”

“For the next steps, the AIIA will work closely with the government to develop related policy measures, clear goals and metrics that are attached to the outcomes in the Future Directions paper .”

- ENDS -

Note to Editor: Ian Birks will be available for comment.  To request for an interview, please contact:

Gabriel Wong / Rachel York
Max Australia
Phone: (02) 9954 3492
Mobile: 0412 868 306 / 0407 282 534
Email: gabriel.wong@maxaustralia.com.au / rachel.york@maxaustralia.com.au