An investor's guide to the sector and its regulations.
Our government information and communication technology (ICT) team has extensive experience in working with Australian Government agencies on complex and sensitive ICT procurement projects. As a result, we have gained a deep understanding of Australian Government ICT policy and initiatives, industry practices and key areas of risk for agencies in ICT contracting.
We also advise on the application of relevant Australian government policies and reports including the Gershon Review, the Data Centre Strategy, whole-of-government ICT policies, co-ordinated procurement and limitation of liability, along with the application of the FMA Act and Regulations.
On 28 December 2012, the PRC National People’s Congress passed Amendments to the PRC Labour Contract Law (the Amendments) in relation to the labour dispatch arrangement. The Amendments will come into force on 1 July 2013.
On 31 December 2012, the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), a foreign-related arbitration commission set up by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (also known as the China Chamber of International Commerce) (CCPIT), released its Announcement on Issues Concerning CIETAC Shanghai Sub-Commission and CIETAC South China Sub-Commission" (the Latest Announcement). This is the latest development in a dispute, which has been on foot since April 2012, between CIETAC, the Shanghai Sub-Commission of CIETAC (CIETAC Shanghai), and the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration (SCIA) (the CIETAC Dispute). SCIA was known as the South China Sub-Commission of CIETAC before 22 October 2012.
A report by the Victorian Ombudsman has identified five underlying factors which contributed to difficulties experienced in government ICT projects. The report, Own Motion Investigation into ICT – Enabled Projects, released on 22 November, was prepared in consultation with the Victorian Auditor-General. It examines 10 major Victorian Government ICT projects that experienced difficulties such as budget and timeframe blowouts or failure to meet requirements.