Tasmania led the nation in ICT workforce growth during 2020 with a 17% surge, nearly four times the national rate of 4.3%, according to the ACS 2021 Digital Pulse report.
The Hon. Michael Ferguson MP, Minister for Science and Technology, attended the launch event in Hobart to speak to these statistics and the State Government’s technology agenda. More than 50 of the state’s industry leaders were in attendance.
The Minister recognised the great turnout from other Tasmanian policy makers in the room, including Jen Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Science and Technology; Madeleine Ogilvie MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier; Dean Winter MP, Leader of Opposition Business; Felix Ellis MP Member for Braddon; Nick Duigan MP Member for Windemere; and The Hon. Rob Valentine Independent Member for Hobart in the Tasmanian Legislative Council.
Deloitte Director Cedric Hodges presented the the key of the state’s performance in the Digital Pulse Report before handing over to ACS CEO Rupert Grayston and ACS President Ian Oppermann who joined via livestream due to the difficulty travelling under COVID restrictions.
Tasmanian ACS Branch Chair Ray Leonard celebrated the state’s great progress while reminding the audience of the key areas of improvement and how the tech sector is well-placed to deliver solutions and leadership in this space.
Formalities were capped off with TasICT Vice President Katy Cooper formally launching Future Fest, promoting the schedule of events and celebrations for Tasmania’s week-long tech festival.
The full 2021 Digital Pulse report can be downloaded from the ACS website.
