Comments on: I’m not the IT minister, says Conroy

By: rjsmyth

rjsmyth — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:05:01 +0000

if he is not doing IT why is he implementing IT policies that directly impact the nations IT systems? Look at the two responsibilities side by side:
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research – Kim Carr
Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy – Mr Not IT

which would you say SHOULD be the IT guy? Now if IT is still classed as Research or Innovation wtf is wrong with this backwater country, if its not how is it not his role?

By: Darryl Adams

Darryl Adams — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:41:03 +0000

Meh, it is easier to use hip terms like “Digital Economy” which means nothing compared to “Information Technology”.

Digital Economy can also mean sexy (to the pollies) Cable TV and Satellites. Notice that Conroy was at the browning of Analog TV in North Victoria? Sexy. ISP? Not Sexy. No votes!

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:08:14 +0000

The real answer is that “Digital Economy” is a spin term. It means nothing whatsoever and is added to the title purely for the purpose of sounding grandiose.

The whole department has been problematic since I can’t remember when. Irrespective of what name it’s had!

By: Pete

Pete — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:08:24 +0000

He’s certainly the minister responsible for impacting the IT sector moreso than Carr. As such, I believe my comment is a fair and accurate representation. Even Telcos I know have a little giggle behind closed doors when his non-telco policies are discussed.

By: Jenna Pitcher

Jenna Pitcher — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:18:46 +0000

It just sounds like Conroy is trying to shirk IT responsibilities.
Digital Economy is IT related in my books.
What is the definition of IT in the Government’s eyes? I’m sure each minister has their own definition of IT.
If no one wants to take responsibility for IT maybe an CTO should be appointed and screw the lot of of them.

By: Jenna Pitcher

Jenna Pitcher — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:59:53 +0000

Is he trying to turn this into a “Games are not art” style debate?

By: Renai LeMay

Renai LeMay — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:28:12 +0000

In that context, it seems like he’s talking about his Department.

By: Renai LeMay

Renai LeMay — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:27:01 +0000

I think a lot of people in the telco industry are happy with Conroy — because of the way he’s curtailing Telstra’s power and its nature as a vertically integrated telco. But I do think much of the IT industry proper has a vastly different opinion. And of course the internet industry is really negative on Conroy because of the filter.

By: Renai LeMay

Renai LeMay — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:24:23 +0000

I think there is a fair point here — what does “Digital Economy” really mean? If you can answer this question, you can get to the heart of what Conroy really is responsible for. No matter which way it’s cut, though, I really don’t think Kim Carr is responsible for IT. “Innovation” does not mean “IT”. It really means … nothing. Or if anything, it means R&D — which I don’t really see as IT — I see that as science.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 09:12:59 +0000

Yeah I tend to agree with Conroy. He’s most certainly NOT an IT minister. Of any kind.

He should also be splitting the broadband and communications aspects out of his role since they’re certainly IT related.

What does that leave? Digital Economy? What does that even mean?

This government – irrespective of the ruling party – is ridiculous.