Premier Daniel Andrews joined Minister for Small Business Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis today to announce a major partnership between the Victorian Government and leading global software provider Zendesk.
The partnership will create up to 175 new high-skill jobs in Victoria, with Zendesk opening their Asia Pacific Software Engineering Centre in Melbourne.
Joining Zendesk founder and CEO, Mikkel Svane, at the official opening of their Collins Street headquarters, Mr Andrews said the expansion and creation of Zendesk’s tech hub in Melbourne would boost Victoria’s booming industry and strengthen our growing reputation as Australia’s tech destination of choice.
Zendesk, a leading provider of cloud-based customer service software, will be collaborating with Victoria’s world-class universities to build local skills in the information and communications technology sector, including Monash, Melbourne, Latrobe and the Swinburne University of Technology.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis said the Labor Government had worked hard to secure the investment through the work of our San Francisco based Victorian Government Business Office and the support of the $508 million Premier’s Jobs and Investment Fund.
In addition to the partnership announcement, Mr Svane also launched the Melbourne arm of Zendesk’s global Neighbour Foundation, which will provide $100,000 in financial support to community organisations and 1,000 hours of employee volunteer service for Victorian charities.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“Zendesk’s decision to base its tech headquarters in Melbourne is a vote of confidence in the future of our industry and means more high-skill jobs for Victorians.”
“We’re working hard to attract more investment in our tech industry and to provide the opportunities that will help local companies start up and grow.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis
“Zendesk is a major international player in the industry and we are excited they’ve made Melbourne their tech hub in the Asia Pacific region.”
“This partnership highlight’s Victoria’s growing prominence in the tech space with the Labor Government committed to growing this even further through the Premier’s Jobs and Investment Fund and our $60 million startup fund, which will help to provide the foundation these companies need to grow and prosper here.”
Quotes attributable to Mikkel Svane, CEO, Zendesk
“The Melbourne office has been an enormous part of our product development, growth and success as a global company, and the world-class talent in this city will continue to play a vital role in the future of Zendesk.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020