The move comes as ICT Minister Senator Helen Coonan today released the report from the ICT skills working group - Building Australian ICT Skills - which also outlines a number of recommendations.

The Information Technology Contract and Recruitment Association (ITCRA), in conjunction with Multimedia Victoria, is collecting Web-based data about IT placements supplied by 32 of its members. The data is published for Victoria only but the federal system, based on the ITCRA model, will present any information collected on the Skills Australia Web site.

"I am pleased to announce that ITCRA has been successful in its application for funding under the Information Technology Online (ITOL) Program," Coonan said. "The National ICT Skills Monitoring Establishment Project will improve ITCRA's current data collection and dissemination processes."

The report recommends the formation of an industry leadership group to develop and facilitate improved ICT information and participation in ICT occupations and careers.

Coonan said there is an "urgent" need to address the negative perception of ICT careers in the community, which is turning many young people away from considering a career in the "dynamic" sector, and believes the report will make a significant contribution to understanding the changing needs of the ICT industry and the economy as a whole.