Australian Minister to Lead International Drive for Digital Economy

Photo: Senator Conroy

The Australian 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.

Conroy is vice-chair of the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy he will lead a panel discussion, Building Confidence. He will also address the Korea-Australia-New Zealand (KANZ) Broadband Summit which will be held on June 19, 2008.

"Australia has a leading role at both meetings. The OECD Communications Ministerial meeting 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," 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," Conroy said.

At the KANZ Broadband Summit, 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," Conroy said. "The Summit will enable ministers, senior officials and private sector representatives from each country to explore potential commercial ventures and research priorities."