Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy

DEPUTY LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE

Minister to lead international drive for digital economy

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, is visiting Korea this week to participate in two key internet and broadband forums.

Senator Conroy is vice-chair of the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy (17–18 June) where he will lead a panel discussion, Building Confidence. He will also address the Korea-Australia-New Zealand (KANZ) Broadband Summit (19–20 June).

“Australia has a leading role at both meetings. The OECD Communications Ministerial meeting—the first of its kind in ten years—will map out key principles underpinning the future of the internet. We will be shaping policies for creativity, confidence and convergence in the digital world,” Senator Conroy said.

“Security and safety on the internet are key issues and I will chair a meeting on how we can better manage risks. I am particularly concerned about improving online safety for children and international cooperation is crucial for this to be achieved.”

“Building confidence in the security of online transactions is vital to promoting the growth of the global digital economy.”

“The meeting will also explore opportunities from the convergence of voice, video and data and ways of promoting creativity in the internet economy,” Senator Conroy said.

At the KANZ Broadband Summit, Senator Conroy will deliver a keynote address on the importance of international collaboration, innovation and the potential of emerging broadband applications.

“The fourth KANZ Broadband Summit provides an excellent opportunity to enhance cooperation between the IT and broadband related industries in the three participating countries,” Senator Conroy said.

“The Summit will enable Ministers, senior officials and private sector representatives from each country to explore potential commercial ventures and research priorities.”

“Australia’s high level participation in these meetings demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to harness the benefits of the digital economy and perform a leading role in developing global solutions to online safety and security threats,” Senator Conroy said.

Date: 16 June 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457