The Tasmanian Government don't have a plan for our digital economy, and a new report shows that Tasmania is dead last in the country when it comes to Government Digital Maturity.
We are missing out on investment, jobs and developing a pathway for our young people.
When Jeremy Rockliff decided to leave a dedicated Science and Technology minister out of his cabinet, it raised concerns within the ICT community. The Liberal-Lambie Coalition doesn't understand or value this sector, the potential of more well paid jobs and clearly doesn't understand how important it is for our economy.
TasICT represents a $1.7 billion industry in Tasmania, employing 11,000 people with that number set to hit 18,000 by 2030.
If the Liberal Government wants Tasmania to be taken seriously on science and technology, and make sure we don't get left behind - they need to get serious and appoint a dedicated science and technology Minister.
Can you believe that in 2024, when technology will define our economic fortunes more than anything else this century, the Liberals also have a policy that will prevent UTAS from investing half a billion dollars in science and technology?
They're putting their political self-interest above Tasmania's interest, a strong future of jobs in the sector, and the ability for science and technology to play a major role in our future economy.
Tasmania can't afford to keep falling.
It's a complete failure of leadership, shows the Government is distracted and as a result Tasmania will keep being left behind.
Someone needs to stand up, show leadership, and drive the agenda for a clever, confident, and connected Tasmania. If the Liberals can't or won't. Tasmanian Labor will.
*The report can be downloaded here.
Janie Finlay MP
Shadow Minister for Science & Technology
