Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity

Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society open in Melbourne

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today officially launched the Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society at the University of Melbourne.

"The Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society is a prime example of academia and industry working together to drive Australia's digital economy," Senator Conroy said.

"Programs like this one are pivotal in the Government's plans to encourage and enable Australians to maximise the benefits of digital technology and the National Broadband Network.

"Australia's Digital Economy: Future Directions paper, launched last week, recognises that the success of Australia's digital economy requires collaboration by government, industry and the community to maximise the benefits of the digital economy for all Australians.

"This launch highlights the strong efforts being made by academia and industry to develop Australia's digital capabilities.

"The Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society will play an important role fostering Australia's digital economy leadership by attracting national and international researchers and innovators, and providing a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment for innovative digital businesses.

"Importantly, these activities will cover a wide spectrum of social, business and technological activities associated with the new National Broadband Network."

"I extend heartfelt congratulations to the University of Melbourne and Professor Rod Tucker for the launch of the Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society and wish the entire team best wishes for the future," Senator Conroy said.

Institute for a Broadband-Enabled Society:
Online - www.broadband.unimelb.edu.au

Australia's Digital Economy: Future Directions:
Online - www.dbcde.gov.au/digital_economy/final_report

Date: 24 July 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall (Minister's Office) 0408 258 457
Emma O'Neill (University of Melbourne) 03 8344 7220