THE Queensland government has appointed specialist information and communications technology (ICT) industry officers to help grow the sector in North Queensland and on the Gold Coast.
State minister for IT policy Chris Cummins said Angelique Richmond has been appointed to the position at the Gold Coast State Development Centre, while Duncan Paton will work at the Townsville State Development Centre.
“Angelique and Duncan will play key roles in ensuring the industry’s continued growth by helping promote products and services both nationally and internationally,” he said.
“They will be providing high quality, free, professional business guidance to ICT companies including information and referrals on product and market development, funding and investment.”
Cummins said Richmond previous worked at IT security company Eracom Technologies, while Paton has worked extensively in the ICT Industry in Australia and overseas.
“From Townsville Duncan will service the region from Mackay through to Cairns, and provide high quality, free, professional business guidance to ICT companies including information and referrals on product and market development, funding and investment,” he said.
“Townsville was chosen as a base for this new position due to its ability to service the greater North Queensland region, which has significant centres of ICT expertise.”
Cummins said the Gold Coast ICT industry makes a substantial contribution to the region’s economy.
“There are around 700 ICT firms located on the Gold Coast, employing more than 5000 people,” he said. “Most Gold Coast ICT businesses are focused on computer software, hardware and consulting and network integration, but there are also others developing global leadership in e-health, e-security, e-wireless and games.”
Cummins said the appointment of specialist regional officers followed a range of initiatives that are part of the state government’s ICT industry development strategy.
“ICT is one of the SmartState’s key growth industries, generating more than $21 billion in sales annually and providing 62,000 jobs for Queenslanders,” he said.
“As well as being dominated by smaller firms, our ICT industry is significantly regionalised. However ICT firms in regional centres can face many challenges, including lack of easy access to support schemes, business advisors and intellectual property specialists.
“The new positions are an extension of the state government’s Information Industries Bureau and will help local ICT firms access the full suite of business and industry development programs delivered by the bureau.”