Australia’s peak membership association for technology professionals, and the global association for IT, audit, governance, and cyber security professionals have joined forces to combat the global IT skills shortage.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) and ISACA have extended a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations to collaborate on training and credentialing, advocacy to governments and agencies, expanded conferences and events, and joint research efforts.

This enhanced partnership is expected to play a critical role in developing a more skilled and adaptable IT workforce in Australia, tapping into ISACA’s extensive global network of more than 180,000 members and ACS’s local presence of over 47,000 technology professionals, according to Jo Stewart-Rattray, Vice President of Community Boards, ACS, and Oceania Ambassador, ISACA.

“Both ACS and ISACA have consistently driven innovation and excellence and will continue to do so together, elevating efforts to tackle emerging challenges in the IT field,” she said.

“This offers members of both organisations more opportunities to gain a broader skillset, through an array of new resources, along with enhanced training and credentialling.”

Erik Prusch, CEO of ISACA, said the combined resources of two organisations will give IT professionals a distinct advantage in the sector as Australia intensifies its focus on digital trust and cyber security.  

"Our collaboration with ACS not only strengthens our capability to support this endeavour, but also amplifies our collective efforts to promote a safer and more trustworthy digital environment.”

According to a recent ACS Digital Pulse report, Australia alone is projected to need 1.3 million technology professionals by 2030; while 82% of ISACA’s 2024 State of Digital Trust research respondents said digital trust will grow in importance over the next five years.

Josh Griggs, CEO of ACS, said that this is a crucial juncture, where digital trust has become a top priority for boards and executives worldwide.

“As companies strive to establish digital trust, and fully realise its benefits, IT professionals with diverse credentials will be highly valued.”