Media Release
IT Jobs Coup for Adelaide
21 August 2006
Minister for Human Services, The Hon. Joe Hockey MP today announced Adelaide has been chosen to become the new IT hub for Centrelink.
In Adelaide to make the announcement, Minister Hockey said the new IT hub will create 100 local jobs.
The new positions will act as a strong incentive for local IT graduates to stay in Adelaide and provides a significant boost to the South Australian IT industry.
“The size of Centrelink’s IT system is enormous,” Minister Hockey said. “More than 5.2 billion transactions are made through Centrelink’s IT systems every year, and it’s responsible for distributing $63 billion in payments."
“This hub will be established to overcome some of the difficulties faced by Centrelink in recruiting and retaining IT staff and graduates in Canberra."
“There is currently a skills shortage in the IT industry, which means Centrelink has had to look at different ways of attracting skilled workers."
“Adelaide was chosen instead of other capital cities because of the excellent IT programs run by local universities and the fact that South Australia already hosts a number of national Centrelink IT functions, including the Systems Testing Centre and the User Assurance Centre."
“A number of national IT functions and positions will be moved to Adelaide during 2007, which will help build the team initially."
“Centrelink will then directly target IT graduates from the University of South Australia , Adelaide University and Flinders University to help fill positions in growing areas of Centrelink’s IT business."
“The new hub will encourage graduates to stay and work in Adelaide , meaning South Australia is able to retain skills locally."
“It’s also likely graduates from other states some positions will be attracted to Adelaide to work for Centrelink."
“Centrelink IT staff are extremely well-trained and work with one of the largest IT shops in the country."
Minister Hockey said the new hub will significantly enhance Centrelink’s IT capabilities including providing more online services for its customers.
Media Contact: Wendy Black - 0437 978 028.