Western Australia on target to become IT specialist state

29/10/01
With assistance from the State Government, IBM will expand its programming research centre in Perth into the biggest of its type in Australia, employing many local IT graduates.
State Development Minister Clive Brown today announced the State would provide IBM with an industry grant of up to $1.91million over five years in return for the company employing an extra 84 employees over that time.
The Perth facility, which currently has 92 employees, will bid for major research projects which potentially could triple the size of the centre and increase current exports to an estimated $30million.
Mr Brown said IBM had committed to recruiting as many local IT professionals as possible.
"The upgrading of the centre will enable it to pitch for large programming research projects which require teams of several dozen professionals, such as software engineers and analysts," he said.
"Perth has been favoured by IBM because we have the skill base, competitive salary levels and a highly attractive lifestyle and working environment.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Western Australian information technology graduates to undertake high-end research with a company of global stature - without leaving home."
A significant part of the State Government's industry incentive package would support company training of recruited staff.
Mr Brown said IBM was the second global new-economy giant in eight months to choose Perth for a large-scale development. In February, telecommunications transnational Motorola signed an agreement with the State Government to set up a research centre of excellence at Nedlands, adjacent to the University of Western Australia.
"In helping to secure this commitment to Perth by world-renowned companies, the State Government is strengthening Western Australia's technology infrastructure in the best possible way," he said.
"Most importantly, it enables us to participate in leading edge technology development and to keep some of our best and brightest young professionals.
"In seeking to attract more international investment, it's also a definite selling point for us to be able to point to the presence of IBM and Motorola here, using home-grown research talent to develop international products."
Both projects align with the Government's commitment to expand the research capacity of our universities, colleges and industry outlined in the Innovate WA policy.

Media contact: Bev East 9222 9699