[Linux-aus] Professionals Australia (formerly APESMA)

[Paul Gear]

On 12/17/2013 04:08 PM, Brenda Aynsley wrote:
> On 17/12/13 06:53, Mark Walkom wrote:
>> >There's SAGE-AU (of which I'm a member and also on the NSW exec).
>> >
>> >
>> >However ACS are trying to become the IT union of AU, and I don't believe
>> >we really need one run by them or anyone else.
>> >
> er guys, a correction here.  ACS is NOT a union, never has been a union
> and I doubt it ever will be a union.
>
> The ACS (Australian Computer Society) is the recognised professional
> association for those working in Information and Communications
> Technology, seeking to raise the standing of ICT professionals and
> represent their views to government, industry and the community. A
> member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the guardian
> of professional ethics and standards in the ICT sector, committed to
> ensuring the beneficial use of ICT for all Australians. It provides both
> members and non-members with opportunities for professional education,
> networking and certification, as well as enabling them to contribute to
> the development of their profession.

Hi Brenda & all,

If I can be forgiven for putting words in Mark's mouth, I think what 
he's trying to say is that the ACS seems to promote itself as the sole 
rightful arbiter of IT professionalism in Australia (you've backed this 
up with some of your wording choices above, e.g. "the recognised 
professional association", and "the guardian of professional ethics".).  
What I've seen from the ACS lately seems imperialistic rather than 
collaborative, and academic rather than practical.  It may be that the 
ACS is the best-placed institution to promote professionalism in our 
industry, but if we end up in a situation that is more like 
union-controlled factories rather than member-focused guilds, then I 
think that's a backwards step.

Regards,
Paul