Tasmania’s technology sector says that no single party at the 2025 Federal election has delivered a comprehensive vision to transform Tasmania into a smart state.
TasICT CEO Russell Kelly said that campaigning had focused on hip-pocket issues and very few policies were transformational and could help Tasmania reconfigure its economy to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy.
“After 30 years of talking about Tasmania as a smart state – we seem as far away as ever,” Mr Kelly said.
“This election we’ve watched parties and candidates promote hyper-local promises, rather than truly transformative strategies.
“According to the Australian Digital Inclusion Index, Tasmania remains one of the most tech disadvantaged states. Our education outcomes are among the poorest in Australia, and our confidence with using technology continues to lag.
“Federal leaders seem to lack the urgency to create a comprehensive plan for the digital economy.
Mr Kelly said TasICT’s election priorities proposed investment in telecommunications as the bedrock upon which Tasmania’s innovative businesses could thrive – extending the benefits of innovation and new technology from the cities to regional areas.
TasICT has called for Tasmania to get its share of Federal funding – through regional telecommunications investment and a fair distribution of the eye-watering Government spending on defence, for example.
“For Tasmania to truly become a smart state, the next Federal Government needs to play a leading role in nurturing the tech ecosystem so that we can attract businesses and skilled workers and inspire the next generation of Tasmanians to take on STEM subjects.
“That’s why TasICT advocates for the proposed $500m STEM campus at the University of Tasmania at Sandy Bay – and for encouragement for skilled migrants to find a home in Tasmania and help with the tech workforce vacancies that already exist.
“Whatever the outcome – it’s clear that Tasmania is facing the wrong way on technology, and our work to advocate for a modern, smarter, innovative and technologically confident state with a thriving digital economy must continue.”