37,000 laptops purchased for teachers

Minister for Education Phil Gude today announced the purchase of 37,000 laptop computers for Victoria's teachers.

The first of the laptops will be delivered to teachers in mid November.

In what is believed to be the second largest tender for laptop computers in the world, the Victorian Government today signed contacts for the supply of laptop computers to all Government teachers over the next five years.

"10,700 teachers or one third of all our teachers will receive their computers this year, with the rest being delivered progressively over the next five years," Mr Gude said.

Acer Computer Australia will supply 85% of the computers which will be IBM compatible machines while Apple Computer Australia will supply the remaining 15%.

"These computers are intended to provide teachers with a tool of trade which will allow them to explore ways of improving educational delivery and assist with easing their administrative workloads," Mr Gude said.

These contracts together with ancillary sales will be worth $100 million over five years.

"Acer have agreed to give Victoria first right of refusal of what is expected to be $15 million a year they will spend on Research and Development, Manufacturing, Software Development and Multi-media Production," Mr Gude said.

(News Release, Office of Minister for Education, 22 October 1998)