DEVELOPING AUSTRALIA'S ICT RESEARCH CAPABILITY

A $251 million extension of funding to the ICT centre of excellence, National ICT Australia Ltd (NICTA), will help to build on Australia's competitive advantage in information and communications technology (ICT).

This funding is a key component of the Government's $5.3 billion package of science and innovation initiatives Building Australia's Ability - Building Our Future Through Science and Innovation.

It brings to $380 million the total funding provided by the Australian Government for NICTA over the ten years from 2001-02.

This funding recognises the importance of ICT as fundamental to working, learning and living in the 21^st century - and in developing competitive advantages for Australian industry.

NICTA was established in 2002 to address an identified weakness in Australia's long-term strategic ICT research.

The centre will eventually be home to 300 researchers and up to 100 PhD students, providing valuable opportunities in Australia for the development of local talent and skills.

The centre was established in October 2002 and already has 12 operational research programs, with almost 140 researchers.

It is actively building high quality partnerships with Australian businesses, research institutions and universities.

This long term commitment to the ICT Centre of Excellence will continue NICTA's efforts to build an environment where ICT innovation and excellence thrive.

At full capacity NICTA will do for the ICT sector what the Australian Institute of Sport has done for sport.

NICTA's new funding will be provided through the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) and the Australian Research Council (ARC) over a five year period commencing 1 July 2006.