Multimedia Victoria - Skills and ICT Strengthen Government Abilities

Skills and ICT Strengthen Government Abilities


Media release - 31 October 2007

Taking on ICT has further strengthened the ability of the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) to boost Victoria’s economic growth, the Minister for Information and Communication Technology Theo Theophanous said today.

Tabling DIIRD’s 2006-07 Annual Report in Parliament, Mr Theophanous said it made sound sense for DIIRD to take responsibility for two areas that were critical economic drivers for industry and business in general.

“This means DIIRD is now more strongly placed to oversee and deliver the policies and programs needed to position Victoria as an internationally competitive and innovation-driven economy,” Mr Theophanous said.

The Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation, Jacinta Allan, said key training and tertiary education initiatives delivered throughout 2006-07 include the commencement of Berwick and Wangaratta Technical Education Centres, part of a $32 million skills initiative.

“Three specialist skills networks were also established in the key areas of competitive manufacturing, energy and transport, and distribution and logistics,” Ms Allan said.

“In 2006-07, Victoria had more than 123,000 apprentices and trainees in training and more than 45,000 apprenticeship and traineeship completions.

“In addition, the Victorian Government launched the first five of 13 Skills Stores that will be established right across the State.”

Mr Theophanous said DIIRD’s other new responsibility, Victoria’s ICT industry, grew 9.6 per cent in 2006-07, generating total revenues of more than $26 billion and creating 7400 new jobs.

“More than 1200 of these jobs were created via the Government’s ICT Industry Plan 2005-10, while Multimedia Victoria attracted over $350 million in new ICT capital investment to Victoria,” he said.

“In addition, 173 Victorian ICT companies were also supported through DIIRD’s ICT Trade Events and Export Assistance Program, generating exports of over $350 million.

“The integration of skills and ICT into DIIRD’s responsibilities is already paying off for Victoria as the 2006-07 DIIRD Annual Report makes clear.

Both OTTE and Multimedia Victoria were transferred to DIIRD following the November 2006 election.

The 2006-07 DIIRD Annual Report is available online at www.diird.vic.gov.au