Key industry representatives say the Liberal’s State Budget fails to properly invest in the Information and Communication Technologies sector.
Labor’s Innovation, Information and Communication Technologies Industry Advisory Council (IAC) met for the second time in Hobart today.
The Liberal’s State Budget was a key theme discussed at today’s meeting, with the independent chair noting that key representatives around the table felt the budget had little investment in innovative and strategic initiatives for ICT sustainability.
Shadow Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy, Michelle O’Byrne, said the group expressed the need for a statewide strategic plan for the ICT sector.
“Representatives feel a statewide plan would allow Tasmania to capitalise on the opportunities arising from the digital economy,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“It’s an industry that employs around 7,000 Tasmanians and there is room for more growth with the right support from Government.
“However, it is clear the Budget failed to deliver the required focus and initiatives to make this a reality.
“I was pleased to hear representatives speak highly of Labor’s focus of working with industry to ensure that Tasmania’s world-class ICT sector can continue its growth.
“The Liberal’s budget has no recognition of ICT as an industry while Labor knows that it underpins every growing sector in Tasmania’s economy.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for Economic Development, Jobs and ICT
