Labor has attacked the Tasmanian government for what it claims is a lack of investment in the state’s information technology sector.
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Launceston-based Labor Senator Helen Polley called for a greater focus by the state government into the information technology sector in Tasmania.
Using a lack of expenditure in the May state budget, Senator Polley said the government needed to take the “sector more seriously.”
“Tasmania currently suffers from the lowest rates of IT literacy in the country and there is no plan to become a tech-savvy state,” she said.
“This government has failed to outline or articulate an IT strategy for Tasmania.
"It is clearly not communicating with the sector, IT companies or the community even though this industry is vital to the future of our state.”
In August a Swinburne University report found Tasmania ranked last for internet access, affordability and digital ability across the nation.
But a spokeswoman for the state government said it recognised the importance of supporting the ICT sector.
She said the government funded and supported ICT initiatives that helped to develop digital literacy.
“These include the Enterprise Hubs we opened in Hobart and Launceston, as well as programs like coding, and free programs such as Digital Ready,” she said.
”We also support Tas ICT which is an important organisation and in June, we provided them with $95,000 for the development of an interactive online portal and app for careers in ICT through our Workforce Development Grants.
“The government also provided an additional $75,000 for Tas ICT to continue to deliver workforce development activities in schools and ICT job placements.”
