Government appoints Aust education broadband advisor

Peter Nissen will fill the position, funded by the National Office for Information Technology and the Department of Education Science and Training, as part of the Australian government's contribution towards the National Broadband Strategy's (NBS) plan of action.

Coming from his most recent position as a consultant to the Australian Research and Education Network Advisory Committee and several other educational and research institutions, Nissen brings an extensive history of information technology to his new position. His past appointments include a tenure in the public and private sectors for telecommunications, IT and defence systems development, followed by a 15 year stint as the director of information technology at the University of Adelaide.

As national broadband advisor Nissen will work with stakeholders across the education platform, collaborating with the National Broadband Strategy Implementation Group (NBSIG) in alignment with NBS guidelines.

The government says it intends to appoint a national broadband advisor for other federal portfolios including health and also in state and territory governments.

The Department for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts say the national broadband advisors will act as chief implementers of the NBS, working towards the development of broadband connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas of Australia.