Australians have a record of being early adopters and heavy users of technologies such as computers, facsimile machines, mobiles telephones and electronic funds transfer. In addition, they have one of the highest take up rates of new technologies in international comparisons like video recorders, mobile phones and personal computers. For example, over 30 percent of Australian's homes have personal computers where approximately half are estimated to have a CD ROM player. Even further, Australia has the third highest per capita ownership in the world of personal computers and a widespread use of fax machines and mobile phones.(Innovative Australia)
Education
The literacy rate in Australia is 100 percent for individuals between 15 - 64 years of age. According to the May 1996 Transition from Education to Work survey, 1.9 million individuals aged 15 - 64 reported were studying for a recognized educational qualification. Higher education was reported as the type of educational institution attended for 35% of total students. While 30% were at a school, 25% were at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE). (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
In May 1996, approximately 5.9 million individuals, or 42% of the population aged 15 -64, had achieved post-school qualifications, an increase of 5% over the 1995 estimate.(Australian Bureau of Statistics)
Computer Magazines, Clubs, and Trade Associations
The Australian information technology industry provides its professionals access to many computer magazines, clubs and trade associations. These include: The Australian Computer Society, Austalian Unix User Group, PC User, Australian Personal Computer, Internet Australasia. See (Australia Resources and Links)for additional sites.
Information Technology Industry
In 1995, Australia's information industries employed around 145,000 individuals in some 7,200 businesses where the size of the sector has grown from $9 billion in 1985 to $27 billion. Despite this enormous growth and Australia's high literacy rate, Australia still fails to emphasize the information technology skills necessary to enhance management capabilities in leading international projects and provide sufficient training.
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URL: http://www.http://gurukul.ucc.american.edu/initeb/lk0767a/australi.htm
Author: Linda Kallmeyer
Last Update: May 6, 1997