JOINT NEWS RELEASE

24 MAY 2006

Major Intelligent Island initiatives announced

The Federal Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, and Tasmanian Deputy Premier, Bryan Green, today welcomed the announcement of two major Tasmanian information and communications technology (ICT) initiatives under the $40 million Intelligent Island program.

“The Market Access and Partnership Program (MAPP) and the $30 million CSIRO Tasmanian ICT Innovation Centre will benefit both the Tasmanian ICT industry and the wider Tasmanian economy ,” Senator Coonan said.

“MAPP will support ICT product development, encourage partnerships for businesses development, provide companies with opportunities to access business and management skills and increase access to external markets.”

Tasmanian ICT companies are now invited to submit an expression of interest for MAPP.

“Up to $18 million is available to assist Tasmanian ICT companies develop or market an ICT product or service for global markets,” Mr Green said.

Eligible Tasmanian ICT companies will be able to compete for grants from between $200,000 and $2 million. A portion of the funding is also available for projects that will benefit the Tasmanian ICT industry as a whole.

“All grants will be assessed by an independent industry-based panel with expertise in technology, finance, management and commercialisation,” Mr Green said.

The Australian and Tasmanian Governments will also begin negotiations with CSIRO to establish a $30 million Tasmanian ICT centre.

“CSIRO's ICT Centre will be a world-class research facility connecting Tasmania to national and international ICT research and development,” Senator Coonan said.

With $15 million from the Intelligent Island program and an additional $15 million cash and in-kind contribution from CSIRO, the proposed centre represents a significant commitment to ensuring that Tasmania plays a major part in Australia 's public ICT innovation system. Funding is subject to the successful negotiation of a funding agreement.

“Engagement with the Tasmanian ICT industry and research community will be a key priority for the Centre,” Mr Green said.

Tasmanian ICT companies interested in submitting for MAPP funding should visit http://www.development.tas.gov.au/intelligent/MAPP.html to obtain a copy of the guidelines and an expression of interest form. Expressions of Interest must be received by 5pm, Wednesday 21 June 2006.

The $40 million Intelligent Island program is funded by the Australian Government from the second part-sale of Telstra and is administered by the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development. For more information about the program, contact the Department of Economic Development's Business Point on 1800 440 026.

Media contacts:
Senator Coonan's office: Natasha Maclaren - Jones 0419 445 363 www.minister.dcita.gov.au
Bryan Green's office: Paul Kindermann 0438 021 936 www.media.tas.gov.au