Melbourne, Australia – In a significant move, ACS (the Australian Computer Society) and ISACA (the global association for IT audit, governance, risk and cybersecurity professionals) have extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), bolstering joint efforts to combat the global IT skills shortage and boost member experiences.

Under the renewed MoU, both organisations will enhance their collaboration across several domains, including training and credentialing, advocacy to governments and agencies, expanded conferences and events, and joint research efforts.

This enhanced partnership is expected to play a critical role in developing a more skilled and adaptable IT workforce in Australia, tapping into ISACA’s extensive global network of more than 180,000 members and ACS’s local presence of over 47,000 technology professionals.

Jo Stewart-Rattray, Vice President of Community Boards, ACS and Oceania Ambassador, ISACA said the longstanding bond between ACS and ISACA, spanning over many years, has now been further solidified.

“I am proud to see two of the most respected organisations in the technology sector deepen and extend their partnership,” said Ms Stewart-Rattray. “Both ACS and ISACA have consistently driven innovation and excellence and will continue to do so together, elevating efforts to tackle emerging challenges in the IT field.

“This offers members of both organisations more opportunities to gain a broader skillset, through an array of new resources, along with enhanced training and credentialing.”

Erik Prusch, CEO of ISACA, highlighted the strategic value of the expanded collaboration with ACS. “As Australia intensifies its focus on digital trust and cybersecurity, our combined resources and expertise will give IT professionals a distinct advantage in the sector,” said Mr Prusch.

“At ISACA, our commitment extends beyond simple membership: we strive to be a lifelong career partner to our members. Our collaboration with ACS not only strengthens our capability to support this endeavour, but also amplifies our collective efforts to promote a safer and more trustworthy digital environment. Together, we are indeed stronger.”

According to a recent ACS Digital Pulse report, Australia alone is projected to need 1.3 million technology professionals by 2030; while 82% of ISACA’s 2024 State of Digital Trust research respondents said digital trust will grow in importance over the next five years.

Josh Griggs, CEO of ACS, said that this is a crucial juncture, where digital trust has become a top priority for boards and executives worldwide; however, the global IT workforce has not kept pace.

“Strategic partnerships, like our collaboration with ISACA, are essential to strengthen and diversify our workforce,” said Mr Griggs. “As companies strive to establish digital trust, and fully realise its benefits, IT professionals with diverse credentials will be highly valued.”

Key focus areas of the ACS and ISACA MoU include:

• Conferences and Events: Expanded opportunities and participation across various platforms to elevate professional engagement and knowledge sharing.
• Training and Credentialing: Increased opportunities for IT professionals to widen their skillset and enhance workforce capabilities in response to the talent gap.
• Advocacy and Government Relations: A jointly forged, stronger collective voice in the tech sector and the opportunity to advance women in tech and other under-represented groups.
• Research Collaboration: Maximised impact of important industry research.

LEFT TO RIGHT (Josh Griggs, Jo Stewart-Rattray, Erik Prusch)

For more information:

Troy Steer troy.steer@acs.org.au 0417 173 740

Karen Keech karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408

About ISACA

ISACA^® (www.isaca.org) is a global community advancing individuals and organisations in their pursuit of digital trust. For more than 50 years, ISACA has equipped individuals and enterprises with the knowledge, credentials, education, training and community to progress their careers, transform their organizations, and build a more trusted and ethical digital world. ISACA is a global professional association and learning organization that leverages the expertise of its more than 180,000 members who work in digital trust fields such as information security, governance, assurance, risk, privacy and quality. It has a presence in 188 countries, including 225 chapters worldwide. Through the ISACA Foundation, ISACA supports IT education and career pathways for under-resourced and underrepresented populations.

About ACS

ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 47,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation. Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow. ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community. Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.