Brisbane-based Research Group Questions Cabinet Report

"Queensland's No Technological Backwater"

13th April 2005

For immediate release

A leading Queensland-based research group has today questioned confidential advice given to State Cabinet that claims Queensland is at risk of becoming a "technological backwater".

The Australasian CRC for Interaction Design (ACID) says advice given to State Cabinet – and set to form part of phase two of the State Government's Smart State strategy – is misleading when considering Queensland's $100 million creative industries export market.

CEO of ACID Professor Jones, who returned from Asia this week following meetings with world-leading technology companies, says ACID has a range of multi-million export opportunities currently in discussions.

Further, Professor Jones says that many of these opportunities have been made possible through the support of the Queensland Government.

"There are multiple world-first research and development projects currently underway in Brisbane," said Professor Jones.

"These cutting edge projects have attracted significant international interest and are likely to revolutionise multiple industries, including the way we interact with television, use our mobile phones and interact within our communities," he said.

ACID's research projects are going to put Queensland at the centre of global best practice for tools and techniques for establishing digital communities, said Professor Jones

"The Queensland Government is to be applauded for its support and we look forward to phase two of the Smart State strategy and new initiatives to further advance creative industries," said Professor Jones.

Creative industries in Queensland and other Australian states are on the verge of a potential new multi-million dollar export market.

"The Queensland Government has been supportive of ACID projects to date," said Professor Jones.

"Without this support and initiatives such as the Kelvin Grove Urban Village housing the Creative Industries Precinct, our research skills and projects would be falling behind other states – not leading the way.

"We're eager to cement this relationship in phase two of the Smart State Strategy and continue working closely on a range of mutually beneficial projects," he said.

For more information:
Jason Pickersgill, ACID. T: 07 3337 7929 or 0432 163 886. E: jason@acid.net.au

 
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