AIIA News

The iAwards: spotlight on eHealth and digital Education initiatives

The current focus on digital education and eHealth initiatives in Australian public policy clearly recognises both the role of technology and the economic imperative to innovate. What’s more, these outcomes are increasingly linked to the prosperity and global competitiveness of individual nations. The international community is rapidly embracing the importance of technology to better educated communities and more efficient and effective healthcare systems.
Ride the wave! The iAwards provides your business with a powerful marketing profile at state, national and international levels along with instant credibility with partners, customers and government. 

The eHealth Award and the IBSA eLearning Award each recognise the most outstanding innovations in these critical and growing fields. Put your business in the spotlight: register now – and stand apart in a crowded marketplace. Find out more by emailing the iAwards team, call 1300 665 145 or register online today.

Digital Education Revolution targets teacher education

The Government has announced $40 million in funding to improve the digital literacy of teachers as part of the Digital Education Revolution initiative. The Digital Strategy for Teachers and School Leaders will deliver the funds with the aim of improving the technology skills of teachers and strengthening the role of ICT across the curriculum. READ MORE

E-health and sector reform

AIIA is currently advocating for the successful passage of the Healthcare Identifiers Bill 2010 on the basis of its clear potential to deliver much-needed sector reform in health, including reduced costs, increased productivity and better community outcomes. AIIA has met with the office of the Minister for Health and will shortly meet with relevant shadow Ministers to ensure the industry’s business concerns are recognised. In doing this AIIA does not advocate the simple adoption of ICT solutions for their own sake, but as part of a wider reform process in a sector that is notoriously lacking in productivity, growth and investment.

AIIA is also developing an e-health and sectoral reform policy for guidance in future advocacy campaigns. Issues to be addressed include privacy, state differences, national regulation and technical standards. AIIA will appear before the Senate Committee on the Healthcare Identifiers Bill on 9 March. Members wishing to provide input to the policy position may contact AIIA General Manager, Policy and Government Relations, Loretta Johnson.

National Enabling Technologies Strategy

Federal government has introduced an Enabling Technologies Strategy with a focus on biotechnologies, nanotechnologies and communications research. The strategy will deliver $38.2 million over four years and aims to provide a framework that supports the responsible development of these technologies. $10.6 million is targeted at industry uptake and international engagement. READ MORE

Changes to the R&D Tax Concession

AIIA has recently provided draft amendments to the R&D Tax Concession exposure legislation - released 18 December 2009 - to assist with finalisation of the tax credit changes and with the aim of ensuring that the software/ICT sector is not unintentionally excluded from the new regime. READ MORE

Applications sought for Venture Capital funding

The Australian Government has issued an invitation for fund managers to apply for the latest round of funding delivered under the Innovation Investment Fund (IIF). The IIF is designed as a “catalyst for building new innovative businesses,” according to Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Kim Carr. READ MORE

Victorian ICT Industry Survey now open

The State Government of Victoria recognises the significant contribution the local ICT industry makes to the State’s economic and social well-being. Multimedia Victoria (MMV), the Victorian Government agency responsible for ICT industry and economic development, requests your participation in a state-wide survey of the Victorian ICT industry that will provide valuable information to assist in tracking the profile of the industry and future policy development.

The short survey will take about 12 - 15 minutes to complete.  The survey opens on Friday 5 March and closes on Thursday 18 March 2010. READ MORE

Applications now open for FITT Mentees, Mentors!

Females in Information Technology and Telecommunications (FITT – an AIIA special interest group) are delighted to announce the launch of the Sydney-based 2010 Mentoring Program. This program is FITT’s flagship development program for Women in ICT.  It offers a face-to-face Structured Mentoring over a six month period – a fantastic way to develop careers in IT, create networks, support each other and share valuable knowledge. FIND OUT MORE

Industry news

Infonomics international ICT research project - closes March 6

You are invited to contribute your views to a global body of knowledge regarding governance and management of IT. The research is intended to inform all who are interested in improving the value, and controlling the risk of information technology, however and wherever it is used.

Among other uses, the research will inform planning for future work on development of international standards and other resources which will aim to help organisations achieve efficient, effective and acceptable use of information technology. VISIT THE SURVEY WEBSITE
 

Study into leadership, culture and management:  call for participants

The Federal Government has launched a two year project into high performing workplaces and is now inviting Australian firms, including those in the IT services industry, to get involved. Companies - large and small - from the IT services industry can become involved by contacting the Society for Knowledge Economics and registering. By participating in the project, you will gain insights into your performance and others not available through any other source. READ MORE

Applications for Commercialisation Australia assistance

Commercialisation Australia is a new Australian Government initiative that assists researchers, entrepreneurs and innovative companies to convert ideas into successful commercial ventures. The support provided by Commercialisation Australia is tailored to the needs of each participant and structured around key development stages in the commercialisation pathway, and ranges from $50,000 to $2 million. Information seminars are now being hosted by AusIndustry. READ MORE

Smart infrastructure seminar

The House standing committee on Infrastructure is holding a one day seminar on the use of smart technologies in water, energy, transport and communications at Parliament House on 12 March.  AIIA will be attending and contributing to all relevant sessions. If you have any ‘live’ examples of the successful use if ICT in these infrastructural sectors, please contact Loretta Johnson by March 12 so that AIIA include them as contributions to the committee. Seminar registration is available online.

Members’ news

4th Annual Public Sector Information Management Strategy Conference
(ACT, 16-17 March)

Preparing for Ongoing Organisational and Technological Evolution with Effective Information Management Strategies. This highly anticipated event will build on successes of previous years, featuring case studies and expert analyses from leading practitioners. Information management executives from a variety of public sector organisations will share practical experience and advice on the latest developments in information management strategy, in an effort to establish a cogent trajectory to the future. VISIT THE WEBSITE

China International Small Medium Enterprises Fair
(March national seminars, September delegation)

This year, Australia will be the sole co-host country for CISMEF, giving you the opportunity to be part of the largest Australian themed SME fair in China. Now in its 7th year, CISMEF is the biggest event of its kind in China. The 2009 fair attracted 3,935 exhibitors and 254,000 visitors from China and overseas, with sales totalling A$20.6 billion.

FIND OUT MORE

Australian Services Rountable Services Summit 2010 (ACT, 17 March)

The ASR Services Summit 2010 will provide an overview of global and regional developments in services trade and innovation, examine the opportunities and challenges faced by the services sector and provide a focus on smart infrastructure. Featuring a range of expert speakers from across the services sector. Register your interest now with the ASR secretariat.

ACT Government Procurement Solutions’ Information Forum (25 March)

The ACT Government in collaboration with the Australian Information Industry Association and The Canberra Business Council invites you to attend the next ACT Government Procurement Solutions’ Information Forum. READ MORE

Winning Business with India & South Asia (National seminars, 19-30 March)

Austrade invites you to attend the 'Winning Business with India & South Asia' seminar series. Use this half-day seminar to make the right connections and discover strategies that can help you grow your business in India & South Asia. Australian businesses exporting to India & South Asia continue to grow… don't miss out! With 800 attendees last year, seats will fill quickly. To register for a seminar near you visit www.austrade.gov.au/IndiaSouthAsia1 or call 13 28 78.

Austrade’s Financial Services Technology Mission (Singapore and KL, April 2010)

Austrade is organising the first ASEAN Financial Services Technology Mission to Singapore and Malaysia. Join this intensive and highly targeted program and introduce your technologies to Singapore and Malaysia - two of the fastest growing capital markets in ASEAN. Gain access to local financial institutions, systems integrators and other players that are developing and selling technology to banks, insurance companies and asset managers. Singapore 12 – 14 April, Kuala Lumpur 14 – 16 April 2010. FIND OUT MORE

Access one of the world's largest mining markets (April 2010)

Austrade invites you to join a Peruvian Mine Visits Mission which will take place directly after Expomin in Chile in April 2010 – identify in person how your products and services can be applied. READ MORE

Australian Business & IT Expo (April 28 – 29)

The Australian Business & IT Expo (ABITE) provides the most affordable, accessible and relevant information to educate the business community. This will be the single largest gathering of business owners, managers, entrepreneurs and IT professionals nationwide, actively seeking products, services and education to further business growth.

With access to over 100 exhibitors, solution providers, free seminars & workshops, visitors can make informed decisions on topical areas including digital marketing, online retailing, cloud computing, IT security and franchising.
VISIT THE WEBSITE

HIMSS AsiaPac'10 Expo (26- 28 May)

The HIMSS AsiaPac’10 Exposition Takes place in Beijing, China, from the 26th to 28th of May, 2010. Organised by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), a not-for-profit and non-governmental, international healthcare membership organisation, the HIMSS AsiaPac'10 Exposition will help healthcare IT stakeholders connect and exchange ideas in order to help advance quality healthcare delivery through the use of IT. Contact Steven Yeo, syeo@himss.org  on  +65 98485259 or VISIT THE WEBSITE

Members’ services update

Insurance services on AIIA.biz

Insurances coming up for renewal?  Don’t forget AIIA.biz saves you 10-15% on your Insurance premiums and includes a ‘beat any comparable quote’ offer which ensures that members save money on your business insurances.READ MORE