Govt gives telepresence system $19.3 million boost
- 15 May, 2013 09:34
The Labor government's budget includes $19.3 million in funding over the next five years to bolster the National Telepresence System.
The system was created in 2008-09, with funding of $13.8 million provided over four years to create a national intergovernmental videoconferencing setup for the federal, state and territory governments, with an eye to reducing travel costs and improving productivity.
The new round of funding includes capital funding of $4.2 million in 2012-13 and $3.3 in 2013-14.
The boost will enable the system to increase the number of simultaneously held meetings as well as increase the number of sites where the system can be used.
Currently the system is available at 36 locations.
The system uses Cisco TelePresence technology. The initial deployment consisted of 20 TelePresence units, sited in every state and territory.
