NEWS RELEASE 12 March, 2002

Cullen Keen To Make ICT Legislation Priority

The Information Technology Association of New Zealand (ITANZ) has been told the Leader of the House of Representatives, Dr Michael Cullen, is "keen” to make passage of ICT legislation a priority for Parliament this year.

The Executive Director of ITANZ, Mr Jim O’Neill, said today that he had received advice from Dr Cullen’s office that the Minister had “taken on board” representations that legislation encompassing the legal status of e-communications and contracts, as well as measures against “hackers”, was urgently needed.

“In discussion with Dr Cullen’s office we were advised that he had received a letter from the Minister for Information Technology concerning the need to have this legislation passed in the current session of Parliament. We reinforced this request and were told Dr Cullen was keen to make it a priority.

“We are pleased that this is the case and trust that his Cabinet colleagues will endorse his assessment. The full economic potential of ICT cannot be realised until the appropriate legal framework is in place to cover everyday use of the technology in business and government relationships, as well as disruption by hackers.” - ends

For further information: Jim O’Neill,
Executive Director,
ITANZ:
Tel: (04) 472-2731 or 025-249-5657

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ITANZ represents the Information and Communications Technology industry of New Zealand; a business sector that generates combined annual revenues in excess of $11 billion. ITANZ members account for approximately 85% of this revenue and directly employ more than 30,000 people. Our aim is to maximize the economic and social potential inherent in these technologies to create advantages for all New Zealanders.

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