22 September 2004

An agreement signed between Charles Darwin University and ACIL Tasman today will enhance expertise and realise synergies that will benefit the future development of the Northern Territory.

“The partnership will provide mutual opportunities to enhance the services and activities provided by each organisation and increase their capacity to contribute to the many facets of development of the Northern Territory and beyond,” Vice Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett explained.

“The partnership will involve Charles Darwin University and ACIL Tasman using their best endeavours to cooperate where such cooperation is in the interests of both,” Chief Executive of ACIL Tasman, Nick Morris, said.

Charles Darwin University and ACIL Tasman will seek to jointly work on:

Nick Morris, CEO of ACIL Tasman with Vice Chancellor Professor Helen Garnett

• Ventures and subcontracting in consulting activities in the Northern Territory or Asia

• Building economics, policy and strategy capacities at the University and in the Territory.

• Stimulating economic discussion in the Territory through joint presentation of seminars and workshops on economic policy and strategy issues.

• Mutual provision of economics, policy and strategy research services through recognising existing synergies and knowledge opportunities

• Provision of occasional economics teaching by ACIL Tasman personnel at the University

• Development of markets in other countries throughout Asia

“One of the first activities associated with this partnership is the Darwin Leaders’ Seminar Series, designed to stimulate economic discussion in the Northern Territory through joint presentation of seminars and workshops on economic policy and strategy issues,” Professor Garnett said.

The first seminar of the series titled Decision Making Under Risk and Uncertainty is being held today from 2pm to 5pm at the Northern Territory’s Parliament House.

ACIL Tasman has been involved in a broad range of significant and high profile Territory based operations for many years.

This includes the $2 billion Alcan expansion, the upcoming Blacktip Gas Development and Trans-Territory Pipeline, the Sunrise project and policies impacting upon tourism, energy and greenhouse.