Tasmania’s economy is back on track with business confidence at the highest level in six years, but we must also ensure we are well positioned for the jobs of the future. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a vital enabler of business and service delivery, and capable of playing a transformational role across our economy.
The 2016-17 Budget provides funding over four years for a range of initiatives that will further our reputation for innovation and ensure Tasmanians have the skills to secure the jobs of the future in science and technology.
This includes:
Code Club – $100,000 to continue our partnership with Code Club to provide young Tasmanians with the opportunity to learn coding by developing computational and design thinking skills in primary school.
Tasmania will be the first State to implement the online version of teacher training and fund teacher training courses around the State. A pilot program will also be undertaken with TAFE and UTAS final term and/or graduating ICT students to undertake volunteer placements in local schools as coding mentors.
Integrated Marine Observing System – $50,000 contribution towards this world leading oceanic research and innovation hub. Invaluable coastal and ocean data will continue to be accessible to the marine and climate science community as well as other stakeholders and international collaborators.
Inspiring Australia – $60,000 in matching funding towards Australia’s national science engagement strategy to encourage more Tasmanians to engage with the sciences.
TasICT ‘Generations’ – $50,000 to pilot an exciting initiative to address shortages in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), and in ICT skills, by building capability and growing innovation across the economy.
Generations will comprise a guest lecture program to be held around the state featuring ICT leaders speaking on their career pathways and the importance of study in STEM and ICT.
The Government will continue to support participation in the Australian Forum of Chief Scientists, providing funding for Science Week initiatives and Science Meets Parliament.
We are also pleased to continue sponsorship of GovHack, an international annual event where participants use government data sets to find innovative ways to represent and reuse the data for the benefit of the community.
By participating in GovHack and collaborating with external information users, we can gain a better appreciation of the value of Government data for innovative business and community uses.
Government investments in ICT will continue to encourage innovation and emerging business opportunities, which represents more jobs for Tasmanians.
