New group (SEAWA) set up to assist computer software developers

3/11/98

A new organisation established to assist Western Australia's computer software developers would also benefit many other industries, Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

Mr Cowan told the inaugural general meeting of Software Engineering Australia (WA) Ltd (SEAWA) that access to advanced information and communications technologies was a vital element of WA's international competitiveness.

He praised SEAWA's objective of establishing a support centre which would give software engineers access to equipment, technology and information that they could not afford on their own.

"SEAWA's prime objective is to encourage a culture of excellence in the software engineering industry," Mr Cowan said.

"Innovative Western Australian software firms have already made world-class breakthroughs in areas as diverse as mine management, telecommunications, smart cards, financial services and even 3-D video games.

"With better access to advanced product testing technologies and information about new ideas and processes, these achievements can only increase.

"SEAWA will also work to improve education and training available to the industry and provide help and advice on legal matters."

Mr Cowan said that as part of a national network of software engineering quality centres, SEAWA would receive Commonwealth Government support on a dollar-for-dollar basis, with contributions from industry.

"However, SEAWA's success will ultimately depend on its ability to attract and retain the membership and support of WA software developers and the businesses which rely on them," he said.

Mr Cowan said the Office of Information and Communications in the Department of Commerce and Trade had worked with the industry to promote SEAWA's development and was represented on its interim steering committee.

He said the Government would continue to support the software development industry.

"Undoubtedly, software excellence is a key to Western Australia's future and I wish SEAWA every success," the Minister said.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222 9595