The Andrews Labor Government today unveiled plans for the National Broadband Network (NBN) to create 700 new high-skill jobs in Melbourne over the next four years, with 400 over two years and 300 more to be generated by the project in construction, maintenance and technical support roles.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis joined the Federal Minister for Communications, Senator Mitch Fifield at NBN’s National Operations Centre in the Docklands to make the announcement.
New facilities are being established by NBN as it boosts employment to support the rollout of the network across the country. New high-skill jobs will be created in cyber security, technical support and administration, specialised ICT engineering and customer support.
Importantly, NBN’s Cyber Security Operations Centre is being established in Melbourne, which will be the first line of defence against cyber threat to the NBN. It provides a collection of services for the delivery of detection, identification, triage and management of cyber events and incident response.
Mr Dalidakis said locating the centre in Melbourne was a significant win for Victoria and a boost to the state’s strong reputation as Australia’s innovation and technology hub.
NBN's cyber security unit will contribute to Victoria’s growing capability in information security, critical to safeguarding Australia's innovative, knowledge based economy.
Mr Dalidakis also said the Victorian Government had worked hard to secure the NBN’s decision to locate the centre in Melbourne, providing assistance through the $508 million Premier’s Jobs and Investment Fund. The investment also follows moves to Victoria by a growing list of leading tech companies including Zendesk, GoPro, Eventbrite, Square and communications giant Slack.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis
“This decision by NBN is a big vote of confidence for Victoria’s high-skill workforce and reinforces our reputation as Australia’s tech hub.”
“NBN’s cyber unit is the first line of defence against cyber threats to the network and their investment in Victoria to house the central unit is a huge vote of confidence for our expert information communication capabilities to help safeguard Australia’s digital future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment Jacinta Allan
“This NBN investment will create 700 high-skill, high-wage local jobs in Victoria, and builds on other major employment announcements in Victoria’s tech sector, including Zendesk, Go Pro and Square.”
“After four years of anaemic employment growth under the former Liberal Government, we’re getting Victoria back to work.”
Reviewed 10 February 2021