Western Australia is a state known for its resources. Our mineral, oil and gas exports speak for themselves, but we also have a great resource in our ICT industry. This social capital has led to many international success stories, including Moodle, Dynamic Digital Depth, ERG Group, Xemplex, QPSX technology … and to significant contributions in niches such as mining and exploration software, where we are world leaders. You can see more of our industry showcased in our ICTWA Portal - http://ictwa.org.au/

In the local economy, ICT represents over $6 billion in revenue (TIAC report, 2006) and is an enabler to all other industries in the state’s economy.

The ICT Industry Collaboration Centre (ICTICC) was formed to collaborate on activities to develop and promote ICT in WA. ICTICC brings together associations representing segments of the ICT industry with the Department of Industry and Resources. Founding members of ICTICC were:

• Australian Computer Society
• Australian Information Industries Association
• Australian Telecommunications Users Group
• Engineers Australia
• Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers
• Western Australian Internet Association

2008 is an exciting time for ICTICC. We have incorporated as a body which allows us to welcome other associations as members or affiliates. The Australian Web Industry Association, Women are IT and the Records Management Association of Australia are new members of ICTICC in 2008. 

The focus areas for ICTICC are:

• Industry Development
• Government and Policy
• Education and Training
• Marketing and Public Relations
• Conference and Events
• Environment

We are particularly working on marketing our industry and promoting careers in ICT - both principally serviced by the ICTWA Portal.

ICT is an enabler for Western Australia’s economy. It is part of the infrastructure that provides life support to all other industries in the state. To develop the industry we need to take a holistic view which includes government, ICT professionals, education and training organisations, industry and the community to nurture the industry. All of these groups need to be involved to identify, support, implement, promote and discuss the issues and initiatives that will allow our industry to thrive and the benefits to flow on the rest of the local economy.

We look forward to your support and contribution to these endeavours.

Valerie Maxville
Chair
ICT Industry Collaboration Centre of WA