In 2007, the WA State Government released the findings of the Economics and Industry Standing Committee inquiry into:
Recommendation 1
The Western Australian Government investigates the potential for a CSIRO ICT Centre in the state to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the resources and e-health sectors.
Recommendation 2
The value of technology park to members of the ICT industry could be significantly enhanced by facilitating increased informal communication on site.
Recommendation 3
The Committe recommends that the state government continue to work closely with the federal government to optimise the benefits of the SKA project for Western Australia and to ensure that the ICT potential is captured within the state.
Recommendation 4
The Western Australian Government must streamline and simplify its funding submission and grant application procedures. An easier application process would be fair to industry and a strengthening of the acquittal process would ensure an appropriate balance between accountability and accessibility.
Recommendation 5
Western Australian Government should use on-line resources to help streamline grant application and follow-up procedures.
Recommendation 6
Eligibility criteria and submission requirements should be relative to the total grant size available.
Recommendation 7
Clear information about the state government funding process must be readily available to industry members. Applicants should have timely information at all stages of the process, including an assessment of, and advice on, unsuccessful applications.
Recommendation 8
Transparent programme evaluation must be introduced to ensure funding opportunites meet state government strategic objectives and industry development needs.
Recommendation 9
The government needs to clarify its expectations of, and parameters surrounding, the Office of e-Government and ascertain whether the Office is structured to meet these aspirations. Consideration should be given to whether some aspects of the Office of e-Government are better suited to other agencies such as the Department of Industry and Resources, the Department of Treasury and Finance and the State Supply Commission.
Recommendation 10
If the Office of e-Government continues to exist its nomenclature should be amended to more accurately reflect the activities and functions of this Office.
Recommendation 11
The Western Australian Government needs to provide strong political leadership and actively
promote the local ICT sector through all means at its disposal.
Recommendation 12
Government should investigate providing increased funding between the proof of concept and
proof of market stages to help address the innovation progression funding gap.
Recommendation 13
The Department of Industry and Resources needs to facilitate more industry networking and
showcasing opportunities to facilitate industry accessing venture capital.
Recommendation 14
The Committee recommends that the Western Australian Government, in cooperation with
industry, develop an ICT portal that would:
• allow users to quickly and easily access information about the various assistanceprogrammes;
• be constantly maintained to guarantee accurate information;
• provide a vehicle for industry feedback and promotion;
• provide for online submissions and applications;
• announce upcoming events; and
• facilitate any other opportunities benefitting the sector.
Recommendation 15
Western Australian Government appoint a Chief Information Officer, a person with technical
ICT expertise, leadership skills and a broad understanding of industry and government, whose
role will be to champion ICT within government, and between government and industry.
Recommendation 16
The current review of SPIRIT needs to be finalised as soon as possible to provide clarity and
certainty to the industry.
Recommendation 17
The state government should review its prequalification requirements for government
procurement contracts to make this a more streamlined and cost efficient process.
Recommendation 18
The Committee recommends assessment in January 2008 to determine whether the new liability
provisions are meeting government and industry needs and expectations.
Recommendation 19
The Committee recommends that procurement staff receive appropriate training in the new
contract provisions to ensure that they are in a position to engage in active negotiations with
industry, and not simply revert to the default position of uncapped supplier liability.
Recommendation 20
The creation of a specialised ICT procurement team could be of benefit to all departments and
agencies and the establishment of such should be considered by government.
Recommendation 21
Government should develop and implement a policy that facilitates agencies acting as a
reference site for suppliers.
Recommendation 22
The Western Australian Government should consider developing a state government reference
site pro-forma for use by government agencies.
Recommendation 23
The Department of Treasury and Finance should take account of the overall benefit to industry
of procurement undertaken by government.
Recommendation 24
Government investigate ways of strengthening and expanding the ‘Buy Local’ Policy.
Recommendation 25
The Western Australian Government policy and practice regarding intellectual property rights
must be critically reviewed with a view to maximising commercialisation opportunities.
Recommendation 26
The Western Australian Government should develop a policy regarding government agencies
trialling innovative ICT products and services.
Recommendation 27
More collaboration between the ICT industry and the education sector is needed to ensure that
the education and training offered produces appropriately skilled people for employment in the
industry.
Recommendation 28
The Department of Education and Training and universities must ensure that curriculum being
delivered to students is relevant and useful.
Recommendation 29
The Western Australian Government provides funding to accurately and positively
communicate the opportunities in ICT specifically to young women.
Recommendation 30
The Western Australian Government should work with the federal government to increase
skilled migration (temporary and permanent) to help fill ICT employment vacancies.
Recommendation 31
The federal government redirect funds which would otherwise have been spent to support the
development of broadband in Western Australia to the Statewide broadband initiative.
Recommendation 32
Reestablishment of the digital content cross-agency group to give profile to the industry within
government and help generate whole-of-government commitment to expanding the sector.
Recommendation 33
Relevant Ministers need to support a cross-agency group on digital content and implement key
performance indicators for Directors General to reflect the development of the digital content
industry as a government priority.
Recommendation 34
The state government provide industry assistance and support to help maximise the opportunities for Western Australia’s digital content industry.
