The Tasmanian Information Technology & Telecommunications Industry Development Association
(20th September 1997 to Feb 2008)
In 2008 the Tasmanian Information Technology & Communications Industry Development Association (known for 10 years as TasIT) is a sound, growing industry body with many achievements and with a strong future. As we celebrate 10+ years of operation it is timely to trace the Association’s development and to outline its achievement and perhaps mention some of its less successful points.
In April 1997, the Premier of Tasmania, the Hon Tony Rundle, launched the Directions Statement to ‘achieve a vision of Tasmania as a small, but full partner in the 21st century with a growing economy to provide an expanding range of interesting jobs for our young people. Information technology is an important component of the Directions Statement as it provides the infrastructure that enables the other components of the Statement to be implemented.’
Subsequently, Peter Minck, Ken Smith, Judy Liauw and David Male were invited to establish an interim consultative body which became the Tasmanian Information Technology & Telecommunications Industry Development Association (TasIT). Previously there had been no formal channels for the government to consult the industry and decisions had been based on ad hoc information.
The Tasmanian Information Technology & Telecommunication Industry Development Association (TasIT) was launched by the Premier on the 25 September 1997 to represent the interests of Tasmanian IT&T companies and businesses. The interim committee worked hard to incorporate TasIT and this was achieved on the 3rd February 1998.
TasIT’s first President was Peter Minck, of Prologic Information Systems. The strong Committee under his guidance worked tirelessly to establish the Association. The acceptance of a Constitution and its registration as an incorporated body on 3 February 1998 set the course for the future growth of the Association.
TasIT has always been funded by member subscriptions and corporate sponsorships. It is independent of government, but seeks to work cooperatively with government and government agencies in pursuit of the development of a vibrant IT industry in Tasmania, providing prosperity and increasing employment opportunities.