Tasmania’s tech sector has called on all candidates and parties to develop election policies to transform Tasmania’s economic base into a smart economy and save money by embracing Artificial Intelligence.
TasICT, the peak body for Tasmania’s Information, Communication and Technology sector, said Tasmania’s budget was made worse by the failure to invest in innovation, new technology and digital literacy.
“Tasmania has failed to create the vibrant, diverse digital economy we are seeing prosper in other states, and we are now paying the price of limited economic opportunities,” TasICT CEO Russell Kelly said.
“The next Tasmanian government must urgently invest in innovation to unlock savings and provide cheaper and faster ways of providing government services.”
“That includes investing in digital literacy education so that Tasmanians can use new technology with confidence.”
An urgent priority is the greater use of responsible Artificial Intelligence to reduce red tape, make faster decisions and build cheaper and more efficient government services.
TasICT has called on the next Tasmanian Government to create new whole-of-government programs to upskills public servants in the use of responsible AI, while establishing innovation programs to massively develop the tech business ecosystem.
“The Tasmanian Government can play a vital role in encouraging innovation through targeted programs for enterprise and startups. These include accelerator programs for early-stage ventures, and a funding program for established firms pursuing generative AI integration.”
“The next State Government should create a Minister for AI and the Digital Economy with a dedicated funding portfolio to drive innovation including leveraging Federal Government sources and private funding to grow the tech industry and jobs in Tasmania.”
TasICT has outlined areas that need policy action in industry and workforce development:
Minister for Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy – the need for an integrated cross-sectoral Digital Economy policy with dedicated ministerial oversight and budget allocation that delivers tech innovation.
Innovation Support for Business – introduction and expansion of programs that provide start-up, scale-up, research and development support for businesses, especially in the use and integration of AI, as well as support for building capacity and capability in ICT for Tasmanian businesses.
Connectivity – prioritising investment in communications infrastructure, including sub-sea data cables, recognising the digital economy is dependent on excellent data connectivity.
Workforce Development – encouraging employment growth and employee diversity in the ICT sector through mentoring and networking programs as well as encouraging regional migration of ICT professionals and incentivising businesses to offer workplace placements for graduates and entry-level ICT employees.
STEM Campus – supporting the proposed STEM campus at the University of Tasmania and encourage tech industries to begin lifting capability to support the precinct.