THE HON. PETER ADAMSON, MLA.
RECEPTION FOR
THE AUSTRALIAN COMPUTER SOCIETY COUNCIL
PARLIAMENT HOUSE, 19 SEPTEMBER 1997
SPEECH NOTES
- Ministerial and Parliamentary Colleagues
- ACS President, Tom Worthington
- ACS Vice-Presidents, Prins Ralston and Dennis Street
- Distinguished guests
- Ladies and gentlemen
- On behalf of the Government, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to
members of the Australian Computer Society Council to the Northern Territory.
The Chief Minister extends his apologies … he had hoped to join us this
evening, but has been struck down by the dreaded flu.
- I must say I regard this gathering as particularly timely in view of my
recent appointment as Minister for Communications and Advanced Technology. I
look forward discussing the many issues involved in this exciting portfolio
with you over the course of the evening.
- The Northern Territory Government has long recognised the importance of
advances in communications and technology. This is partly due to the fact that
the Territory has always been remote in physical terms from the main population
and production centres of southern and eastern Australia.
- For Territorians, the term `tyranny of distance' has always been very
real, particularly in terms of telecommunications. And as a consequence,
advances in communications and related technology have meant significant
improvements in the quality of life for Territorians.
- It is only comparatively recently that we have achieved the security of
communications that the rest of Australia takes for granted. And having
reached the stage where advances in satellite, microwave and optical fibre
technology have given us reliable contact with the world, the stakes have risen
exponentially yet again with continual improvements in data transmission and
computing technology seeing Territorians, even in remote areas, able to access
cyberspace through the Internet.
- Apart from the personal dimension, the Territory Government has also
long-recognised the significance of the rapidly-expanding populations and
economies of our northern neighbours. There was many a wry smile in the
Territory when the previous Federal Government suddenly discovered `engagement
with Asia' as a strategy for economic development a few years ago.
- The Territory Government has of course been pursuing engagement with
Asia - particuarly our closest neighbours in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and
The Philippines - for almost 20 years. We have recognised the need for mutual
trade to improve our respective lifestyles and economic development.
- As you would appreciate, a key component of such development is
effective communications and advanced technology. The speed with which our
northern neighbours are modernising their telecommunications and technological
systems is simply breath-taking.
- It is recognition of such progress, along with the Territory's key
position in the region and record of achievement in it, that has resulted in
the creation of the new Department of Communications and Advanced Technology.
The challenges ahead are both enormous and exciting and I am delighted to have
been given the opportunity to become involved at the coalface - or should that
be the keyboard?
- It is true to say that the Department is still in its formative stages
and the advice of established bodies such as the Australian Computer Society
will be welcomed. In this context, I particularly look forward to Darwin
hosting the South East Asian Regional Computer Confederation Conference in July
1998.
- The conference will see up to 1,000 delegates from around Australia and
throughout South-East Asia in Darwin to discuss an agenda which will cover a
wide range of information technology issues. It is most significant that
Darwin has been chosen as host city for the first time the conference has been
held in Australia.
- I note that both the Australian members on the current SEARCC executive
are from the Territory - Prins Ralston and Robert Chirgwin. While I would
never accuse them of parochialism, no doubt the executive was well briefed on
the advantages of Darwin as a potential host city (particularly at the peak of
the Dry Season!).
- I think the potential benefits to the Territory of hosting this
conference in Darwin will be enormous and I will be ensuring that my Department
maintains close contact with conference organisers. I note that the Department
of Asian Relations, Trade and Industry has already committed financial support
for the conference in recognition of its importance in the region.
- I commend ACS on the role it has played in attracting this event to the
Territory. I am delighted you have chosen this visit to initiate the
international media campaign in support of the conference.
- Before concluding, I understand that, following today's council meeting,
Prins Ralston is the new President Elect of ACS. On behalf of the Northern
Territory Government, I extend my warmest congratulations to him.
- On that note, may I again extend to you all a very warm welcome to
Darwin and my best wishes for an exciting and fulfilling visit.
- Thank you.
See also
Speech reproduced by permission of the Office of the NT Minister for Communications and Advanced Technology. HTML markup by Tom Worthington, Australian Computer Society President.