NSW Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional Development Eric Roozendaal today announced a $2.5 million funding boost for the United States Studies Centre.
The NSW Government will invest in developing new initiatives at the University of Sydney-based centre, which is the pre-eminent institution in Australia for the study of the United States.
The funding agreement runs from 2011 to 2015. The US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney was co-founded with the American Australian Association in 2006 and is supported by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.
"The US Studies Centre is a vital part of our state's educational and corporate infrastructure," Mr Roozendaal said.
"The centre deepens Australian knowledge and understanding of the United States and strengthens the underlying links between people and institutions in the two countries.
"The United States is by far the world's largest economy and a key economic partner for Australia."
Chief executive of the US Studies Centre Professor Geoffrey Garrett said the ongoing support of the NSW Government is vital to the Centre's mission.
"With this new support from the NSW Government the Centre will be able to expand its think tank activities to tackle some of the most important challenges facing Australia and America in ways that will enhance the interests of both countries," Prof Garrett said.
The focus of the new agreement is expected to include:
- Digital media – the Centre would facilitate extensive bilateral cross Pacific linkages to promote Sydney as a centre of digital media excellence;
- Clean Technology – the Centre will host annual workshops for senior Australian, US and other international business leaders on research and advances in clean technology;
- Business and Financial Services – the Centre expects to bring outstanding business leaders to Sydney each year to foster greater relationships in the financial and government sectors, in areas such as ethical supply chains;
- Defence – the Centre would host a series of conferences and workshops in Sydney where government, industry and experts explore how to attract and retain defence investment in NSW, particularly relating to high-tech, skilled requirements for major defence programs such as the next generation conventional submarine; and
- Higher education – the Centre will further progress opportunities for international students as well as offshore opportunities for Australian students.
Mr Roozendaal said the centre is a critical component in Sydney's reputation as Australia's only global city and encouraging further trade and investment with the US.
Media enquiries:
US Studies Centre: Nina Fudala | 0409 321 918 Eric Roozendaal's Ministerial Office: Stavro Sofios | 02 9228 3535 | 0418 685 960
