❓ Opposition questions the Premier (also Minister for Science) about WA's poor IT policy ranking and the gutting of the digital economy unit. The Premier deflects, highlighting the science-based economy and the Square Kilometre Array project.
AnsweredQoN 508Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY
508. Mr R.H. COOK to the Minister for
Science:
I refer to the national industry
journal iTnews . This month's
edition of the journal says that WA has been ranked last amongst all state
governments for IT policy. It states —
WA finds itself well and truly at the
bottom of iTnews' maturity
scale, with no IT strategy and no plans to put one together, no apparent
ministerial responsibility for IT, and no excuses for its neglect.
In light of this damning
assessment, why has the digital economy unit of the Department of Commerce been
gutted?
508. Mr R.H. COOK to the Minister for
Science:
I refer to the national industry
journal iTnews . This month's
edition of the journal says that WA has been ranked last amongst all state
governments for IT policy. It states —
WA finds itself well and truly at the
bottom of iTnews' maturity
scale, with no IT strategy and no plans to put one together, no apparent
ministerial responsibility for IT, and no excuses for its neglect.
In light of this damning
assessment, why has the digital economy unit of the Department of Commerce been
gutted?
AnswerView source ↗
Western Australia has a particularly science-based economy,
through not only research by universities but also our industry, by its very
nature; that is, agriculture, mining, resources, marine environment and
biodiversity. We are a natural resource–based economy in so many areas and
we are heavily dependent on science and leading in science. The science
portfolio does not of itself address technology.
Mr M. McGowan : But
you're the Premier.
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
Yes, I am. When I looked in the mirror this morning, I was and I was yesterday
and I will be tomorrow.
We do not have technology specifically within the science
portfolio but a project such as the Square Kilometre Array will have enormous
implications for technology, IT and communications. I did not read the article.
If the Leader of the Opposition sends me a copy, I will read it.
through not only research by universities but also our industry, by its very
nature; that is, agriculture, mining, resources, marine environment and
biodiversity. We are a natural resource–based economy in so many areas and
we are heavily dependent on science and leading in science. The science
portfolio does not of itself address technology.
Mr M. McGowan : But
you're the Premier.
Mr C.J. BARNETT :
Yes, I am. When I looked in the mirror this morning, I was and I was yesterday
and I will be tomorrow.
We do not have technology specifically within the science
portfolio but a project such as the Square Kilometre Array will have enormous
implications for technology, IT and communications. I did not read the article.
If the Leader of the Opposition sends me a copy, I will read it.
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