Business Daily Media

Men's Weekly

.

AIIA Support PM's Economic Roadmap To Recovery

  • Written by Media Release


Australia’s peak industry representative body for innovation technology, The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), today backs the Prime Minister’s economic roadmap to recovery.


In a speech delivered to the National Press Club today, Prime Minister Scott Morrison set out the recovery plan focusing on skills and training as a key target for reform in his JobMaker policy plan.


“We need Australians better trained for the jobs businesses are looking to create. It is that simple,” the Prime Minister said. 


The Prime Minister placed particular focus on digital technologies as one of the main pilots to grow - suggesting the need for a greater relationship between skills needed to fulfil a role in the workplace and education to meet this - with industries defining the qualifications needed.


Echoing the Prime Minister’s calls for greater focus on upskilling the workforce, the AIIA CEO, Ron Gauci said: “In order to protect jobs of the future there must be greater alignment with the digital industry. Re-skilling the IT workforce through investment, planning and greater education will not only benefit businesses and organisations requiring these services, but also encourage skilled jobs in Australia to flourish.


“I am encouraged by the Prime Minister’s plan for the labour market and the VET sector to support the economy post-COVID. As we begin to shift economic focus to rebooting and restoring our workforce, it’s important that we also allow for further investment and growth in our digital industries,” Mr Gauci said. 


AIIA agree with comments previously made by Treasurer Frydenberg when speaking at an address to the National Press Club on 5 May over the need for a greater digital presence in the economy and the need to reskill those in the field: “Reskilling those who may have lost their jobs, upskilling those in existing jobs to adapt to the enhanced digital and e-commerce environment and equipping those entering the workforce for the first time with the skills they need to get a job,” The Hon Josh Frydenberg said.


Digital technologies continue to be critical to the Australian economy and every level of business and government. During COVID-19, digital technology and its underlying infrastructure has supported the economy and will continue to be a crucial baseline for a successful modern Australian economy moving forward.


Mr Gauci said: “The pandemic has also highlighted the need for sovereign capabilities in the digital supply chain. Australia must have the skills and innovation ecosystem to support a globally competitive economy as this step change into digital transformation occurs.


“We are seeing current industry demand for digital skills around cyber security, cloud, applications development, AI, big data and analytics.” 


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



About AIIA 

The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) is Australia’s peak representative body and advocacy group for those in the digital ecosystem. Since 1978 AIIA has pursued activities to stimulate and grow the digital ecosystem, to create a favourable business environment for members and to contribute to Australia’s economic prosperity. We do this by delivering outstanding member value by providing a strong voice of influence; building a sense of community through events and education; enabling a network for collaboration and inspiration; and developing compelling content and relevant and interesting information. 

Minns Labor Government shutting down the Business Connect program

The NSW Opposition is concerned that the Labor government will shut down a support program that has assisted New South Wales businesses. In a media ...

Samsara Eco appoints Dr. Lars Kissau as General Manager for Asia

Australian biotech innovator Samsara Eco has announced the appointment of Dr Lars Kissau as its first General Manager of Asia. Based in Singapore...

From the first bounce to the final siren - small business lessons from the AFL Grand Final

The AFL Grand Final is one of the most anticipated days on the sporting calendar. This Saturday, the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions will battle i...

Australia’s top finance leaders recognised as CFO role expands

Amid surging regulatory demands and rapidly evolving industry, Australia’s most influential Chief Financial Officers will be honoured at the inaug...

Why outdated security leaves small businesses exposed to crime

Small and medium businesses in Australia are under increasing pressure to address security gaps that criminals readily exploit. An unlocked door, an...

Why it’s time telcos rethink location and put customer experience first

Maurice Zicman, Vice President - CX Strategy at TP in Australia unpacks why the telco industry must rethink old assumptions and focus on digital-f...