Tech professionals are feeling the impact of the skills gap, with 60% of pros recently surveyed saying they are not actively pursuing a new skill or completed a certification in the last six months, despite advice they need to upskill to advance their careers.

The Australian Computer Society has welcomed the announcement of a $525.3 million skills package in Tuesday's Federal Budget, but says more investment is needed to develop skills in the country.

Telstra chief executive Andy Penn has been taken to task by the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union national president Shane Murphy over the decision to fill the skills gap by recruiting and employing people in India rather than upskilling its existing workers.