The Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) has implored the Australian Government and industry to seize on opportunities to create a digital economy in Australia.

 

"We are investing heavily in ubiquitous high-speed broadband infrastructure that is essential to our future,” AIIA CEO Ian Birks said. "The imperative now is to generate value.”

 

Mr Birks said that constructing positive relationships between industry, government and businesses is crucial to developing a strong digital economy throughout the country.

 

"The technology sector must take a leading role in the development of strong pilot applications, as well as helping businesses to understand where growth can be realised today,” said Mr Birks. "Initiatives that help individual businesses to expand markets and increase productivity will be the foundation of that work.”

 

Mr Birks said that government should continue to set up pilot sites and leading trials such as the eHealth initiative, but expand these into other areas such as education and local government.

 

The calls by Mr Birks comes as the NBN Co announces a rollout of its satellite services in July, spurring calls from the AIIA to further develop a strong economic dependency on the Internet.

 

AIIA is actively promoting government, industry and business engagement, including through the recent NBN Co Industry Briefing Forums and the development of a Digital Economy Toolkit for Queensland Businesses on behalf of the Queensland Government.