Media Release

Federal Election 2010: ACS Hosts ICT Policy Forum

Technology – Powering our Economic Future
10 August – 12:00 – 2pm, National Press Club, Canberra

29 July 2010: Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, Shadow Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, The Hon. Tony Smith MP, and Greens ICT spokesperson, Senator Scott Ludlam will participate in a election forum focused on ICT issues on Tuesday, 10 August.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) will host the forum as a moderated panel discussion, which takes place over lunch at the National Press Club in Canberra.

The event will feature an address by each participant to outline their party’s stance on ICT and their key election priorities within the ICT area. This will be followed by a moderated Question and Answer session and panel discussion.

The lunch event is open to ACS members and guests, with up to 150 guests expected to attend. The ACS invites feedback on questions that ICT industry professionals would like to see addressed by the political leaders. To book a seat at the event, or to forward a question to the organisers, please visit www.acs.org.au/2010FederalElectionForum for details.

ACS President, Anthony Wong said the growing impact of technology on our national economic and social outcomes is one of the most significant issues in this year’s overall election debate.
“As our global competitiveness inevitably shifts away from the mining and resources sector, Australia’s financial fortunes will depend heavily on technology as a vital enabler of productivity enhancement and growth for business and the wider community,” said Mr Wong.

ACS CEO Bruce Lakin said “The ACS is keen to see the growing importance of ICT appropriately addressed in the policy framework presented by each party. We think it’s time for our politicians to champion the information and communications technologies industry in the same way they’ve traditionally supported the resources sector.

“We expect the political leaders to put forward their party’s stance on ICT, debate the finer points of how they plan to power Australia’s next-generation economy and discuss what action needs to be taken to ensure Australia cements its place in the world as an innovation powerhouse,” he said. “It promises to be a lively event.”

The ACS hosted similar events in the 2007 Federal Election and in the State Elections, including one in Tasmania this February.

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Further information contact:
Fleur Brown (02) 9492 1041 or mobile: 0419 270 863
Seni Murni (02) 9299 3666 or mobile: 0412 628 826

About ACS
About the ACS: The ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the recognised professional association for those working in Information and Communications Technology, seeking to raise the standing of ICT professionals and represent their views to government, industry and the community. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT sector, committed to ensuring the beneficial use of ICT for all Australians. It provides both members and non-members with opportunities for professional education, networking and certification, as well as enabling them to contribute to the development of their profession. Visit www.acs.org.au for more.