The guidelines call for the submission of project business cases for funding to deliver innovative online services by councils in the eight National Broadband Network first-release sites. The program encourages the development of online services that are replicable and scalable, and which other local governments across Australia can adapt for their purposes. It has the potential to encourage a step change in the quality, availability and speed of local government services.

The program guidelines provide information on the objective and purpose of the program, as well as information to assist eligible councils to develop project business cases for program funding. Guidelines and more information about the Digital Local Government are available on the Department’s website.

The Australian JTC1 Strategic Advisory Committee is designed to represent Australia in matters of national importance to the ICT sector as JTC1 works towards the development of international ICT standards.

The JTC1 Strategic Advisory Committee will be responsible for the provision of high-level strategic advice to Standards Australia on Australia’s position in these areas. AIIA will be working closely with members to ensure that standards reflect support their priorities in areas ranging from cloud computing to eHealth.

If you have any questions about the Committee please contact AIIA General Manager, Government Relations and Programs, Loretta Johnson.

The NSW Government's 'Have your Say' website is now open until 18 November to receive online comments and submissions.

Public submissions and input is invited to help develop Industry Action Plans for a range of key economy sectors, including the Digital Economy. The Digital Economy plan  is focused on digital content and applications; information services and analytics; and, smart networks and intelligent technologies.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner said the Government has established Industry Taskforces to develop the Industry Action Plans to position key sectors of the NSW economy for growth, innovation and productivity, exports and global competitiveness, and new investment over the next decade and beyond.

"The Have your Say website can be used by anyone including individuals, industry participants, local government, organisations and associations,” Mr Stoner said.

"The online forums will allow people who are unable to attend live forums or don't have the time to write formal submissions to participate via the internet at any time of the day or night that suits them.

"They will also suit organisations who wish to participate in the Industry Action Plan consultation process in an informal way.

"Feedback provided through the online forums will allow for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of comments and submissions made, trends and key issues identified, and characteristics including geographical locations."

Updates on the Industry Action Plan process will be provided through www.business.nsw.gov.au and social media using the Twitter hashtag #iapnsw and the Facebook page.

Formal submissions are also being sought addressing the Taskforce's Terms of Reference, which are available on the site. The closing date for these is 25 November 2011.

Submissions can be uploaded via the Have your Say website.

Public forums are also planned for industry participants in both metropolitan and regional areas in February and March next year.

Meetings will also be held with key industry thought leaders in peak industry associations, regional associations, individual companies and academia.

The South Australian Pearcey Entrepreneur Award is a State award, rolling up into the iAwards Benson National ICT Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and is aimed at encouraging and rewarding fresh and innovative talent in the ICT and Digital Media professions. 

It is awarded to an individual mid-career who has demonstrated innovative and pioneering achievement and contribution in their chosen industry. The winners will be drawn from contributors across all aspects of the ICT and Digital Media industries including but not limited to) computing science, the Internet, communications, social media and networking, interactive media, games and the like. 

The idea is to embrace all those younger professionals in the ICT and Digital Media sectors and not exclude anyone. The individual should be one who will act as a role model for others to acknowledge and hopefully emulate.

2011 Award Presentation

The 2011 SA Entrepreneur Award will be presented at a ceremony to mark the occasionon 17 November 2011. Nomination forms and application guidelines are available for download.

Find out more at the Fujitsu Australia website.

With content driven by a steering committee of leading remuneration professionals from participating organisations, the AIIA Survey of Salaries and Remuneration Packaging contains aggregated salary data for over 40,000 individual employees across 265 different roles. 

Data collection is made easy by Aon Hewitt’s exclusive RapidRem software and support from the Aon Hewitt team.

As a member of AIIA Aon Hewitt offers you a 50% discount on subscription to the survey, which includes two reports per year, access to the online Data Centre and invitations to contributor-only remuneration forums and events. 

For more information or to subscribe to the survey please contact Michelle Hillier at Aon Hewitt michelle.hillier@aonhewitt.com. 

The fact that a pricing mechanism on carbon is only one part of the broader package to help transition our country to a clean energy future demonstrates government understanding of the the critical role ICT has in any transition to a low-carbon economy.

ICT solutions will be relied upon to play a significant role in transitioning industries into a clean energy future, and can help bring about the desired changes with minimal adverse effect on our prosperity or lifestyles. Research shows that emissions can be reduced by as much as 25% in a modern economy by taking full advantage of ICT solutions in areas such as intelligent buildings, smart energy grids, optimised supply chains, telecommuting, efficient business processes and so forth.

A powerful opportunity exists for government to consider subsidising businesses to invest in ICT solutions that help measure, monitor, analyse and reduce their emissions footprint. There is precedent with the incentives given to business with the introduction of the GST. What business needs now are improved non-financial management systems (such as Energy Management Systems).

Germany has set a leading example in this area, with government forming Advisory Committees to oversee the dispersal of funds or incentives for approved ICT investment projects that lead to reduced emissions by business.

Key survey findings include:

• 80% say tax compliance is giving them a massive headache
• Only 10% believe Australia’s tax system is globally competitive and promotes us as a desirable investment location, with 62% disagreeing
• 60% of SMEs believe the tax system does not adequately cater for their sector, a view shared by only 37% of larger public and private companies
• State payroll taxes and stamp duties are blamed by 84% for making business too complex and expensive
• 63% believe the highest marginal income tax rate and the company tax rate should be aligned.

View the survey online.

With content driven by a steering committee of leading remuneration professionals from participating organisations, the AIIA Survey of Salaries and Remuneration Packaging contains aggregated salary data for over 40,000 individual employees across 265 different roles.

Data collection is made easy by Aon Hewitt’s exclusive RapidRem software and support from the Aon Hewitt team.

As a member of AIIA Aon Hewitt offers you a 50% discount on subscription to the survey, which includes two reports per year, access to the online Data Centre and invitations to contributor-only remuneration forums and events.

For more information or to subscribe to the survey please contact Michelle Hillier at Aon Hewitt on +61 2 9253 8256 or email michelle.hillier@aonhewitt.com.

In extending the invitations, NEHTA confirmed that strategic industry engagement is an essential component of their ongoing strategy to enhance eHealth opportunities within Australia and drive better health outcomes.

A WITSA flagship event, this international conference puts the spotlight on global policies affecting the ICT industry. The event will create a one-stop location to review and discuss the latest trends in information and communication technology policies, attracting senior business executives, government officials and academics from over 40 countries.

The conference aims to resolve precisely how sustainable economic growth can be achieved or accelerated in emerging and developed markets around the globe. With sessions dedicated to exploring sustainable growth, innovation, eHealth, effective and efficient public services, information and infrastructure protection, e-education, and social media, attendees will be in a unique position to take home valuable experiences, best practices and business opportunities.

 View the program or rates and packages online.

In the words of Samoan Attorney General Ming C. Leung Wai: "The next clock tick after 23:59.59 on 29/12/11 will be 00:00.00 on 31/12/11. This means we do not change the actual times on our watches/clocks but we skip a day (ie.no 30/12/11). In other words, Samoa changes from -11 UTC to +13 UTC in the next clock tick after 23:59.59 on 29/12/11.” Software vendors take note.

Applications for the awards close on Friday 18 November 2011. For further information and application forms visit the official webpage or email the Science Awards team or call 02 6272 2260.

1. Creating innovative Australian ICT solutions, products and services
2. Getting advice, support and capital to develop an Australian ICT business
3. Selling ICT products and services to the Australian Government Exporting Australian
4. ICT products and services
5. Linking with and enhancing Australian ICT science and research capabilities

The Department recommends the Australian Government Business Portal as the best source of information for running a business in Australia. Other information specific to the ICT sector can be found on the the Department of Innovation's website.

The SA Strategic Plan now includes a target of increasing the proportion of businesses that receive orders online from 24 per cent today to 40 per cent in 2014, with a commitment to continued increases up to 2020. more>>

All companies in the Australian ICT industry are invited to register products and applications enabled by high-speed broadband on the Digital Hubs Directory – make your business part of the Digital Hubs being set up in early release sites around the country. Registrations may include hardware products that support NBN-enabled solutions as well as the applications themselves.

Royal Assent

Innovation Minister, Senator Kim Carr has announced that the new R&D Tax Incentive has come into effect. This means that companies undertaking research and development in the current financial year are now able to take advantage of the benefits of the new program effective from 1 July 2011*.

The R&D Tax Incentive (formerly known as the R&D Tax Credit) will deliver a more generous benefit via:

I. a 45 percent refundable tax offset for eligible entities with an aggregated turnover of less than $20 million; or

II. a 40 percent non-refundable tax offset for all other eligible entities.

AusIndustry and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) are delivering nation wide information sessions to help businesses learn how to access and best use the new R&D Tax Incentive to drive the development of new ideas, products and processes. The sessions will also explain the transition from the R&D Tax Concession to the R&D Tax Incentive and the differences between the programs.

AusIndustry and the ATO will hold a launch event in Sydney on Thursday, 15 September followed by a series of events across NSW hosted by AusIndustry. We encourage those who are interested in learning about the program to come along.

Minister Carr recently publicised the upcoming information sessions stating that "The new incentive is designed so more firms can access government support. It will provide assistance to innovating companies when they need it most”.

Please note seats are limited so be sure to register you attendance to the Sydney information sessions, the Western Sydney and Regional NSW events.

NSW Events

*Companies who are yet to lodge their registration for R&D undertaken during 2010-11 will continue to register under the R&D Tax Concession.

Connecting leaders across Asia Pacific to advance qualityhealthcare through IT

Join this world-classthree-day Conference &Leadership Summit will feature about 55 speakers from around the world, 72 presentations and 5 panel discussions. Thesessions promiseunlimited industry knowledge sharing and face-to-face meetings with regional and international industryplayers.Register here >>

Early Bird registration ends Friday – be quick! Save over $500 and receive a free subscription to BRW magazine. AIIA members – use the password CONNECT to receive an additional 10% discount. Save $1000 in total! Register now

The Product Stewardship Act 2011 came into effect on 8 August 2011 and the Australian Government is drafting regulations under the Act to underpin industry arrangements for collecting and recycling end-of-life televisions, computers and computer peripherals.

The Regulations outline the requirements for importers and manufacturers of televisions and computers under the National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme, including recycling targets and access to collection services.

The exposure draft of the Regulations is expected to be released in early September 2011 for a four week public consultation period. During this period, written submissions will be invited and public meetings will be held nationally between 13 September 2011 and 21 September 2011.

The objectives of the consultation process on the draft regulations are to:

• Gather stakeholder feedback to ensure the proposed Regulations are appropriate;
• Ensure the government has a comprehensive understanding of potential impacts and implications associated with the proposed Regulations, and
• Improve awareness among stakeholders of the Scheme, especially for those who will have obligations under the proposed Regulations.

In addition, the public meetings aim to provide an opportunity for a broad range of stakeholders to seek clarification on the draft regulations, to better inform their formal submissions and how they might participate in the scheme.

Consultation on the draft Regulations builds on the extensive consultation undertaken in March and April 2011 on the proposed design of the Regulations.

Public meetings

Public meetings will be held in the following capital cities.

There is also an opportunity for face-to-face discussions with Australian Government officials in a set number of meetings for individuals or organisations who have a substantial interest in the finalisation of the regulations. Please note that these meetings are limited to half hour sessions and pre-registration of your interest is essential. We regret that we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

For planning purposes we would like to request that you pre-register your attendance at the public meetings or the bilateral meetings as soon as possible (at least a 3 business days before the scheduled date) by emailing ewaste@environment.gov.au. Please include your name, organisation, contact details and number/names of attendees. For those who pre-register for bilateral meetings, a departmental official will respond with confirmation of the meeting.

Further information

Further information on the consultation process, including the release of the exposure draft of the regulations, will be emailed to you as it becomes available. Information will also be posted on the department’s website: http://www.environment.gov.au/ewaste

Waste Policy Branch
Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

Email: ewaste@environment.gov.au
Phone: 02 6274 1314

Mr John Sheridan, FAS, Department of Finance and Deregulation will examine Whole of Government Procurement and its implications for the ICT sector. 

ICT purchasing and procurement from a government perspective Don't miss the opportunity to hear John Sheridan, First Assistant Secretary Agency Services at Australian Government Information Management Office, speak on the topic of "They would say that, wouldn’t they!” – the increasing value of Whole of Government ICT coordinated procurement at the Canberra Managers' Forum next Wednesday, 7 September 2011. Tickets are still available for this luncheon so don’t delay. Registrations close Monday 5th September. Find out more.

Register Online Now!  The Canberra Managers’ Forum links AIIA member companies directly with government CIOs and buyers. This event provides you with an opportunity to listen to renowned speakers and network with an array of people across all parts of the ICT industry.

Our September AIIA TechInnovate NSW event will present Microsoft's latest cloud offering, Office 365. What does this new development by Microsoft mean for companies supporting the more traditional Microsoft products and Exchange or SharePoint servers? 

What opportunities will Microsoft Office 365 open up for developers and service providers? Find out more or register now.

Continuing the constantly evolving relationship between technology and those businesses seeking more efficient, effective and sustainable strategies for growth, the AIIA Sustainable Futures Forum will held this year in Sydney. 

At this forum we will discuss how ICT solutions and the ICT industry can help with the transition to a low carbon economy and how Government can assist the industry and its clients to do this. Register now or find out more.

Former AIIA CEO Ian Birks has been appointed by Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, to Chair the IT Industry Innovation Council – congratulations! The Council is one of eight providing strategic advice on innovation priorities to the Minister, with a focus on growing inbound investment and IT exports among other priorities. The Council is currently Chaired by immediate past AIIA Chairman John Grant.

AIIA has appointed Suzanne Campbell as the new chief executive officer, replacing outgoing CEO Ian Birks. Suzanne brings extensive ICT industry experience to the role. She is a former Managing Director of MCI Worldcom Australia and was General Manager of Telstra Professional Services, where she was responsible for growing professional services revenue and customer satisfaction. She is a highly experienced senior executive with many years' experience leading service organisations and a strong focus on strategy and performance.

The R&D Tax Credit bill has passed the Senate with minor amendments that introduce quarterly payments from 1 January 2014 and implement a start date of 1 July 2011.  

The revised Bill still needs to pass through the lower house and back to the Senate (again) prior to Royal assent. AIIA provided extensive input into early drafts of the Bill resulting in important changes for the ICT and software industries.

AIIA has commenced the development of guidelines to establish a work group with AGIMO, CSIRO, the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and other representatives from the whole of government cloud community to assist with the creation of 

Best Practice Guides for agencies on a wide range of issues.

Separately, AIIA and KPMG are progressing with the cloud research project, with preliminary data due in mid-October. AIIA is also involved in the preparation of advice to Minister Carr on the industry development aspects of cloud in Australia and the region, including how best to facilitate government as a leader in the use of cloud to kick-start innovative cloud solutions.

Please contact AIIA General Manager Loretta Johnson if you would like to be involved in the AIIA Cloud Taskforce.

AIIA’s work in the e-waste space was recognised this week by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, which advised that two independent reviews of the AIIA and PSA draft interim industry standard have been released. Further information and updates on the National Television and Computer Product Stewardship Scheme are also available.

The House of Representatives Report on the role of the NBN was released last week; AIIA provided a comprehensive submission and appeared as a witness before the Committee. The House has called out a key role for the ICT sector in its report. The Government will also have a clear leadership role in creating a regulatory and business environment in which the ICT sector can support the uptake of the NBN.  This is clearly an ongoing activity for AIIA and we are working closely with DBCDE to facilitate programs that showcase the NBN’s potential.

The Australian Government has released an Emerging Issues paper as part of the Convergence Review, an independent review examining the policy and regulatory frameworks that apply to the converged media and communications landscape in Australia. AIIA will be providing feedback to the Government on behalf of members; please contact AIIA General Manager Loretta Johnson if you would like to be involved.

You are invited to be among the first to register NBN enabled products and services with the AIIA Digital Hubs Directory, which will provide government and community groups with direct access to your business as they set up Digital Hubs demonstrating best-of-breed technologies in NBN early release sites around the country.

The first eight sites will be coming online this year and those vendors who engage early will set the benchmark for the Digital Hubs initiative in Australia. This is a fantastic market development and exposure opportunity; it is anticipated that the register will serve a much broader purpose and facilitate other business opportunities associated with the NBN into the future. Read more online.

The development of the Digital Hubs Directory follows AIIA’s signing of an MoU for the development of the digital economy with the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy earlier this month.