One of Australia's leading ICT research and development bodies, NICTA, has unveiled a new laboratory and HQ in Sydney.
The facility was officially opened by Communications Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy and Industry and Investment NSW deputy director general, Barry Buffier along with NICTA CEO David Skellern and chair, Neville Stevens AO.
(See a slideshow of the opening
The facility is home to 134 researchers, corporate staff and 63 PhD students. It was also designed to maximise the use of natural light and uses motion sensors to switch lights on and off.
In launching the new building Skellern said the facility would help drive the innovation occurring with Australia's ICT industry.
"This building was constructed for us by the NSW Government," he told the crowd. "It is a landmark research facility that accommodates us and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). NICTA is acting as a catalyst for growth for the ICT industry in NSW and we are committed to doing all we can to developing a technology park as an internationally recognised centre of excellence in ICT.
"In accord with that business objective part of these new facilities are for accommodating NICTA spin-out companies and joint ventures along with demonstrations of new technology."
As part of the budget the Federal Government announced it would NICTA a four-year funding extension of $185.5 million.
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