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History: "On 14 June 2006 the Economics and Industry Standing Committee (the Committee) resolved to conduct an Inquiry into the Western Australian Government's role in developing and promoting the local ICT industry as part of the Western Australian economy. The Committee embarked upon this Inquiry because it recognised ICT as an important emerging sector for the Western Australian economy, as an enabler of other industries, and as something that crosses all portfolios of government."

Findings of the Inquiry included:

"The government has a role to play in the ongoing development of the ICT industry as an enabler of social and economic development." (Finding 3)

"Historically, investment by the government in the ICT sector has not been a funding priority. There is now greater recognition of the importance of this industry to our state's economy now and into the future." (Finding 4)

"The Western Australian Government recognises the significant potential for the local ICT industry to contribute to the further diversification and growth of the economy." (Finding 7)

From Hansard: "It is planned that the implementation of the recommendations in this report will form part of the state government's ICT strategy, which will add to the body of work already undertaken by the Department of Industry and Resources. Formal feedback has been sought from industry participants and it is anticipated that this consultation will assist in refining the government's forward direction on these matters."

ICT and Wider Economy: "The move toward the knowledge economy, together with its associated economic and social transformations, is having considerable impact on productivity growth in advanced economies of the world. Not only has Information Communications Technology (ICT) been an important factor in Australia's social and economic development at both a state and federal level, evidence suggests that world-class ICT capabilities will continue to be essential to sustained levels of economic and social development. ICT is not only an important industry in its own right; it is also an essential 'enabler' of development and growth in other industries, impacting upon business operations, government processes, cultural development and social engagement. The corollary to this is that ICT will continue to play an increasingly significant role in the lives of Western Australians."

Government's Impact on ICT Industry: "Government is the largest procurer of ICT products and services in Australia. The most recent ABS survey of government ICT expenditure was conducted in respect of 2002-03.  Excluding wages and salaries of ICT employees, government operating expenses for ICT stood at $5,060 million, $2,270 million of which was Commonwealth Government, the balance being State/territory and local governments. However, given the economic and social potential of the ICT industry, both nationally and for Western Australia, and the growing dependence upon technology and communication within business and the community, government needs to be more than merely a buyer of ICT technology. The government has a role to play in the ongoing development of the ICT industry as an enabler of social and economic development."