ACS pushes for digital focus in Queensland election

The Queensland branch of the Australian Computer Society has called for the creation of a digital economy ministry and a digital ministerial advisory council in the state.

"For Queensland, a focus on digital economy issues is critical," argues an ACS statement on the upcoming state election.

"With the economy undergoing significant change, particularly as the resources sector moves from the construction phase to the production phase, we need to create new industries, new competitive advantage, and new opportunities for employment and growth. Digital technologies provide the essential foundation stone on which this growth will be delivered.

"ACS urges the next Queensland Government to have as its goal to make Queensland the leading digital economy in our nation."

The advisory council would comprise the ACS and representatives of the ICT industry, employer groups and the education and community sectors.

The council would provide advice on issues including ICT skills demand and supply and workforce development planning, digital literacy, with a focus on the digital literacy of Queensland SMEs and not-for-profit organisations, and ways to help industries in the state become more competitive in the digital economy.

The incoming Queensland government should boost the emphasis on digital technologies in the education system, the statement said.

The Queensland government should also commit to building at least one digital city in the state by 2020. A digital city "deploys ICT technology deeply and extensively to generate significant community benefit and amenity," the statement said.

Queensland heads to the polls on 31 January.

Last year the ACS's Victorian branch called for that state's government to create a digital ministerial advisory council to promote digital economy initiatives.