"As acknowledged by the Queensland government, through its Smart State positioning, technology is crucial to maintaining the strength of the nation's ICT industry and a sustainable economic future for Queensland. Software development, in particular, plays a pivotal role in the success of the state's economy. "We feel that in these times of ICT skills shortages and extensive job opportunities, the Foundation is ideally placed to assist industry and all governments to address these issues."

ACS president, Philip Argy said the launch this Wednesday is a significant milestone and will support the delivery of scholarships to graduates and post-graduate programs.

"Queensland now has a permanent resource devoted to taking advantage of the state's ICT employment opportunities - something which will benefit their economy greatly," he added. The newly appointed chapter chairman, Dr Prins Ralston, said the organization will focus on leveraging the talent leaving Queensland universities and to match them with local opportunities.

"This will help encourage our young professionals to remain within the Smart State and ICT industry over the long-term," Ralston said.

Dr. Prins Ralston served as ACS president from 1998 to 2000. He is a partner in law firm Clayton Utz and managing director of Business Management Consulting.