New LNP Ministry brings technology and innovation together

Data^#3 hosts AIIA Board and welcomes Hon. Ros Bates in her first Ministerial event

April 4, 2012; Brisbane, Australia: Data^#3 Limited, one of Australia’s leading Information and Communications Technology companies, has welcomed the AIIA’s Board of Directors, local industry leaders and the new Minister for Science, IT, Innovation and the Arts, Ros Bates at a cocktail event at the company’s premises in Brisbane.

Data^#3 joined the AIIA in acknowledging and congratulating the LNP Government on formation of the new Ministry that, for the first time in Australia, will bring together the government’s technology strategy with innovation.

(L-R) Maree Adshead, Chair, Qld Branch Committee, AIIA; Hon. Ros Bates, Qld Minister for Science, IT, Innovation and the Arts; John Grant, Managing Director, Data^#3; Mark Esler, General Manager – Product Solutions; Data^#3; Suzanne Campbell, CEO, AIIA

Data^#3’s Managing Director and Immediate Past Chair of the AIIA, John Grant welcomed the Minister to her new role.

“Data^#3 and the AIIA are very fortunate to have MP Ros Bates in attendance at this event in her first official outing since being sworn in.

“We are delighted to see the new government acknowledge the potential to leverage innovation made possible through technology and their IT strategy, included in the one portfolio.

“We believe there are huge gains to be made and look forward to working closely with the Minister and her Department to do so,” concluded Grant.

AIIA CEO Suzanne Campbell highlighted the pivotal role the ICT industry can play in the Government’s four-pillar economy action plan. The plan proposes to address skills shortages and build a more productive and resilient Queensland economy; while at the same time meeting the challenges of a globalised economy through the key industry sectors of agriculture, construction, resources and tourism.

“The new LNP Government has an industry led plan in which technology will play a very significant part,” commented Campbell.

“This presents opportunities for the ICT sector in Queensland and the AIIA will be working with both industry and government to bring this to fruition.

The AIIA Cocktail Event, hosted at the Data^#3 Head Office last night, is an important networking opportunity introducing the ICT industry and government leaders, and reinforcing their roles in driving Queensland’s economic growth and strong partnerships for the future.

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