The content on this page and other DCITA document archive pages is provided to assist research and may contain references to activities or policies that have no current application. See the full archive disclaimer.

In 1997 the Australian Government initiated a program of information technology infrastructure outsourcing. A prime objective was the further development of the local information and communications technology (ICT) industry.

While new ICT procurement arrangements now apply, contractual arrangements remain in place to ensure that the specific industry development (ID) commitments made in the 1997-2000 period continue to be delivered. This fifth progress report summarises outcomes achieved during 2003-04.

Of the five original companies that secured ICT outsourcing contracts during 1997-2000 one contract was completed in 2002-03 and four reported in 2003-04. All have achieved ID outcomes during the year surpassing the aggregate targets set out in the original contracts.

The ID activities of the five contractors have delivered new investment, development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employment, exports and training programs. Outcomes over the past six years include:

• at least one major global operations centre being established in Australia;
• a variety of local ICT firms have secured significant overseas contracts in cooperation with multinational partners; and
• 48 scholarships to study management practises and entrepreneurship have been awarded to staff-members of SMEs.

Australian SMEs have benefited as subcontractors, allowing them to deliver specialised services and to establish relationships with both multinational prime contractors and government agencies.

The prime contractors have met and exceeded their overall ID commitments. Where there have been specific areas of under performance or where commitments required a change due to changed market conditions and agency purchasing patterns, DCITA has negotiated with the contractor for the achievement of equivalent industry development outcomes.

Current arrangements for major government ICT procurement can be found at the Department's website www.dcita.gov.au under the "Procurement and industry development" section of the "Information and communications technology" policy area.

The 2003-04 progress report covers outcomes from four contracts:

PREVIOUS  CONTENTS  NEXT

• Document ID: 23768 |
• Last modified: 6 February 2008, 11:10am