Analysis: Impacts on the non IT business

Australia provides a very attractive ground for business that relies on IT as an enabler.

Following are some of the justifications

1) Economic environment and government incentives to attract investment

are positive. Government industry policy strategy is focused on enhancing

the competitiveness and sustainability of industries in general. This is

achieved by removing impediments to growth and trade, encouraging innovation

and investment, and reducing business costs. This has resulted in a more

productive and competitive economy, with increasing employment. Also,

with conditions like low inflation rates and increasing productivity growth

rates, it is not surprising that many investors in non-IT business find Australia

investor-friendly.

2) The telecommunications infrastructure is very sophisticated and fully digitized

with 96% household reach ability. With more than 2 million subscribers and 7

million users, Internet is very popular. Almost half the population subscribe to

mobile phone service. Handheld web access devices such as pocketmail provide

instant mobile e-messages thereby providing high degree of connectivity

and networking among businesses.

3) There is growing evidence that Australia lacks the necessary IT expertise required

to propel them to the forefront of IT spectrum. The demand for persons with IT&T

skills has risen markedly over the past few years, and industries are concerned

that the supply of skilled persons may not be able to meet emerging needs.

There is also a fear that Australia is loosing IT talent through brain drain. If

Australia has to reap the benefits of economic growth and prosperity related

to IT surge, it has put in more effort in emphasizing the areas such as the

need for IT education and raising awareness of IT&T career opportunities

and training. Steps should be taken to retain graduates so that knowledge

stays within the country’s boundaries.