New data centres underpin digital policy: Conroy

Speaking at the official launch of Interactive’s data centre in Port Melbourne, Conroy said that Interactive – and firms like them – are ‘providing services vital to the effective operation of the digital economy’.

“Increasingly, mission-critical data is hosted remotely in centres like the one we see here,” Conroy said.

“With the assistance of companies like Interactive, the Rudd Government is laying the foundations for the digital economy in Australia.

“This includes vital connecting infrastructure - like the National Broadband Network - to deliver affordable, high-speed broadband to more Australians.

“It also includes charting the path for the utilisation of digital technology across the economy.

“We need to ensure we have the capabilities to capitalise on the opportunities that emerge,” said Conroy.

The comments on the importance of data centre capacity to the government’s plans appear somewhat at odds with reports last month that the government is failing to incentivise the new breed of data centre builders to build out sustainable capacity in the market.