Members of the Australian Government’s new Information Technology (IT) Industry Innovation Council have been told their advice to the Government will be crucial to developing a key enabler of Australian innovation.
Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, welcomed the Council’s first meeting saying the future of Australian innovation cannot be considered without acknowledging the part played by Australia’s $98 billion IT industry.
“IT will be the principal means to deliver the economic and productivity growth needed to drive innovation across the entire economy,“ Senator Carr said.
“IT is critical to Australia’s directly employing more than 400,000 Australians.
“Council members have been drawn from across the IT spectrum and include representatives of industry, suppliers, users, education, research, government and unions.
“The breadth and depth of experience on offer in the council will ensure that it delivers on its objective to champion innovation through the use of IT.”
The Government’s National Broadband Network will be vital to delivering this smart technology.
Council Chair, Mr John Grant, Managing Director of Data#3 Pty Ltd said the Council would develop a strategic agenda.
“The Council will have a wide agenda to consider innovation within the IT industry itself plus the application of technology to create innovation across the broader economy. It will apply the Government's published innovation framework as it works closely with all stakeholders to execute this agenda,” Mr Grant said.
“The IT sector has its own well earned reputation for having an innovative and entrepreneurial culture. Harnessing that talent for the greater benefit of Australian industry will be one of the Council’s greatest opportunities.”
A list of Council members is attached.
Media contacts: Catriona Jackson, Minister's Office, 0417 142 238
Mike Lawson, Department, 02 6213 6490, 0419 416 816
MEMBERS OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY INNOVATION COUNCIL
Mr John Grant (Chair), Managing Director, Data#3 Limited (Mr Grant is also Chairman, Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA))
Mr Glen Boreham, Managing Director, IBM Australia & New Zealand
Mr Michael Clifford, Queensland State Secretary, Finance Sector Union
Professor Peter Cole, Associate Professor & Dean School of IT, Murdoch University (Professor Cole is also President, Australian Council of Deans of Information & Communications Technology)
Mr Steve Conolly, Vice President, Siemens IT Solutions & Services, Siemens Ltd
Mr Tom Crago, Chief Executive Officer, Tantalus Interactive Pty Ltd.
Mr Bob Cupitt, Chief Executive Officer, The Learning Edge International Pty Ltd
Mr Peter Dalton, Group General Manager Innovation, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group
Ms Belinda Dennett, Adviser, Office of the Minister for Broadband, Communications & the Digital Economy (Observer)
Ms Ros Eason, Senior Industrial Officer, Communications Division, Communications Electrical & Plumbing Union
Ms Tracey Fellows, Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft Australia
Ms Mia Garlick, Assistant Secretary, Digital Economy, Department of Broadband, Communications & the Digital Economy
Dr Graham Hellestrand, Chief Executive Officer, Embedded Systems Technology Inc (Dr Hellestrand is also a member of the Board of National ICT Australia (NICTA))
Ms Amanda Heyworth, Chief Executive Officer, Playford Capital Pty Ltd,
Ms Anne Hurley, Chief Executive Officer, Communications Alliance (Ms Hurley is also President, National ICT Industries Alliance)
Mr Jan Janssen, Senior Vice President, Design and Development, Cochlear Limited
Mr Paul Kristensen, Executive Chairman, Capital Technologies Pty Ltd
Mr Mike Lawson, General Manager, Competitive Industries Branch, Department of Innovation, Industry, Science & Research
Mr Kumar Parakala, President & Chairman, Australian Computer Society
Ms Suzanne Roche, Director, Smartnet Pty Ltd
Mr Neville Stevens AO, Chairman, National ICT Australia (NICTA)
Mr Randall Straw, Deputy Secretary, Department of Innovation, Industry & Regional Development, Victoria
Mr Chris Winter, Manager New Services, ABC Innovation
Dr Alex Zelinsky, Director & Group Executive, CSIRO Information & Communications Technologies Centre