The forecast for South Australia’s IT sector is strong growth over the medium to long term, as the economy recovers from the effects of last year’s downturn, and on the back of proposed resources and defence industry expansion over the next five years.

The early signs of this growth have become evident in SA over the last three months, with dramatic month-on-month increases in the number of IT roles available.

While domestic economic conditions remain challenging, Queensland businesses are expecting economic conditions to improve in 2010. On the back of increased confidence, enterprises are beginning to invest in transformational projects that will enable them to gain competitive advantage in the future.

As a consequence, Queensland has seen a significant improvement in the number of IT roles available. In fact, the number of roles has increased by almost a third – around 30 percent - compared with April 2009.

The Treasury budget forecast of 2.25 percent growth in 2010-11, rising to 4.5 percent from 2011-12 and beyond indicates a very strong recovery - meaning demand for a range of skills will likely surge.

The impact of rising demand for ICT skills is already being felt across Australia, including in the ACT which has experienced increased demand for contract ICT workers over the past three months.

Demand for both permanent and contract ICT staff – which first began strengthening at the end of 2009 – has continued during Q1 of 2010.

In fact, the number of roles available has grown by 100 percent since January 2010 (a total of a 200 percent increase on levels recorded in July 2009).

Demand for both permanent and contract ICT staff has risen strongly during Q1 of 2010.

In fact, the Perth market is beginning to experience a skills shortage in key areas, from both the resources sector and from the broader spectrum of financial services, manufacturing and other sectors that support WA’s resources industry.