Multimedia Victoria - Dividends on the Rise for Victorian ICT Industry

Dividends on the Rise for Victorian ICT Industry


Media release - 05 December 2007

Five Melbourne-based ICT companies have ranked among the best in three-year dividend growth, according to The Australian Financial Review today.

The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Theo Theophanous, congratulated Computershare, SMS Management, Oakton, MYOB and UXC for their strong performance and success.

"With a combined market capital of over $7billion, these companies are strengthening the local ICT industry, driving further investment," Mr Theophanous said.

Only five ICT companies were recognised by the AFR, all of which are based in Melbourne.

"Victoria is paving the way nationally in the ICT industry and the achievements made in this three year period are testament to this," Mr Theophanous said.

"The Brumby Government is dedicated to creating the right environment for industry growth – by supporting our local companies in growing international markets, attracting key investments and looking at ways to boost ICT skills.

"Oakton, one of the companies winning accolades today, recently opened an office India, capitalising on the strong relationships the Victorian Government has secured with this country over the recent years."

The Victorian ICT industry is worth $24 billion, approximately 25 per cent of the national ICT industry revenue.

"Recent research also shows Victoria continues to lead Australia on technology skills. Victorian ICT job applicants are more qualified than the national average, and there are more ICT students enrolled here, than anywhere else in the country," Mr Theophanous said.

"We're working closely alongside industry providing assistance to see our local companies succeed – and hopefully this means we continue to see successes like the five companies recognised today."