050/06
6 June 2006

Unlocking the Potential—Action Agenda Forums on the Digital Content Industry Plan

Australia 's digital content industry has a vision to double its production over the next ten years.

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, and the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, the Hon Ian Macfarlane MP, today welcomed the commencement of a series of national industry forums which will examine strategies to harness the potential of the rapidly expanding digital content and creative industries.

“The digital content industry is a key driver for growth throughout the wider economy. These forums will help to unlock the potential of the digital content industry and facilitate progress of the industry's strategic development plan, ” Senator Coonan said.

“I urge industry members to engage in the forums now being held across Australia to flesh out the sector's goals. They now have a blueprint with the release of the Digital Content Industry Action Agenda Report, which was developed by senior members of the digital content industry,” said Mr Macfarlane.

The forums are being supported by the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA), the Game Developers' Association of Australia (GDAA), and the Australian Electrical and Electronic Manufacturer's Association (AEEMA), continuing the process of consulting widely with industry members and stakeholders.

Mr Tom Kennedy, Chair of the Strategic Industry Leaders Group, will oversee the forums. Local industry representatives will be represented on a forum panel to provide regional context and facilitate discussion on key issues such as investment, skills, trade and research.

The forums are for firms and organisations working in the creative and digital content industries, such as film, advertising, games, broadband, mobile content, broadcasting and ICT.

Further information, free registration and the Action Agenda Report Unlocking the Potential is available online at www.dcita.gov.au > Arts and culture  > Policy and legislation  > Digital Content Industry Action Agenda

Calendar of Action Agenda Forums

Brisbane
Tuesday 6 June, 2–5pm
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Merivale Street, South Brisbane , QLD

Darwin
Wednesday 14 June, 2–5pm
Darwin Entertainment Centre
93 Mitchell Street, Darwin, NT

Canberra
Friday 16 June, 2–5pm
Old Parliament House
King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT

Hobart
Monday 19 June, 2–5pm
Old Customs House
19 Davey Street , Hobart , TAS

Adelaide
Wednesday 28 June, 9am–12noon
Art Gallery of South Australia
North Terrace, Adelaide , SA

Perth
Thursday 29 June, 2–5pm
State Library of Western Australia ,
Perth Cultural Centre, Francis Street , Perth , WA

Sydney
Tuesday 4 July, 2–5pm
Museum of Sydney
Cnr Phillip and Bridge Streets, Sydney , NSW