Clare
CURRAN
Communications and IT Spokesperson
Associate Economic Development Spokesperson
19 March 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

ICT sector stalled by Foss’ inaction

New Zealand’s ICT sector is being held back by Commerce Minister Craig Foss’ inaction on the Patents Bill, says Labour’s Communications and Associate Economic Development spokesperson, Clare Curran.

“The National-led government is dragging its feet on a law change that would encourage our software industry to blossom, as well as enable smaller international software developers to build their businesses in New Zealand.

“The Government’s stalling tactics, which have now lasted three years, are not going unnoticed. Its attempts to amend the law to appease the concerns of big multinational software companies are costing Kiwi innovation dearly.

“The Patents Bill, which proposes an exclusion for computer software from being patentable, is widely supported by Kiwi software developers as a way to encourage innovation.

“Labour understands ICT is an economic power-player. Trade in ICT goods and services is currently worth around 11% of our GDP.

“In a survey released today, the industry itself highlighted insufficient local demand as a barrier to growth. The Government needs to listen up.

“The ICT sector is an exciting emerging powerhouse in our economy. It deserves to be a priority on the Government’s agenda.

“Craig Foss needs to stop sitting on his hands and back our software industry,” Clare Curran said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>