Cummins said increased expenditure on ICT projects is resulting in a demand for specific skills, yet there has been a dramatic decline in ICT related course enrolments at universities - 38 percent over the past two years in Queensland alone.

While these initiatives are for Queensland businesses only, Cummins acknowledged the skills shortage as a national issue and said the summit should help develop national solutions.

Key outcomes of the ICT Skills Summit

Queensland government to spend A$500,000 over two years to improve the image of IT as a career option.

The ICT Career Start Program will offer between A$10,000 and A$25,000 funding to Queensland-based organizations for activities that stimulate interest in ICT careers.