AIIA urges WA Govt to appoint digital minister
The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has congratulated the returning Western Australian Government, and urged the government to follow the association’s policy recommendations.
AIIA CEO Ron Gauci said returning Premier Mark McGowan has an opportunity to ensure WA benefits from the digital revolution.
“By supporting innovative technology throughout the state, Western Australia will be in a position to maximise the benefits digital technology presents. It is important the government considers the gains digital technology offers across all government projects and government services,” he said.
The AIIA has recommended the government take steps including appointing a dedicated digital industry minister and introducing an open procurement process for all government services that will help local companies compete on a more equal basis.
“A digital industry minister has the opportunity to lead the modernisation of the West Australian economy and the West Australian Government services to secure the benefits innovative digital technologies offer,” Gauci said.
“[Meanwhile] the current restricted ICT panel arrangements limit the WA Government’s ability to deliver for the people of WA and we propose a more competitive approach to working with a wider range of providers. This will boost the industry, support SMEs and aid WA.”
Other recommendations include setting a target for all state government agencies to mandate the digital delivery of all key services, establishing a digital taskforce aimed at ensuring all major spending initiatives include a commitment towards digital capability and overhauling the state payroll taxation framework.
“A boost in digital technology in WA will offer many opportunities for the state to diversify our economy and build for the future,” WA AIIA Council Chair Sharon Brown said.
“Being involved in major government initiatives, such as the MetroNet transport project, will strengthen the local ICT industry and position WA as a digital technology leader.”
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