By IANS,
New Delhi : Australian Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard Tuesday announced funding of $8.1 million for setting up the Australia-India Institute at the University of Melbourne.
Gillard, who began her five-day visit to India Monday, said that Melbourne University, along with University of New South Wales and La Trobe University, will invest another $2 million to bring the total investment in the project to $10 million over the next three years.
As per a media release of the Australian high commission, the institute will work as a “national epicentre” of information on India.
“The institute will support research, graduate training, executive briefings and policy advice for the benefit of both countries… It will provide consultancies on issues of national priority, and host international conferences, community engagement and cultural dialogues,” it said.
According to Gillard, who is also minister for education, the institute will look at several areas of priority research, such as environment, education, regional relationship and health.
The institute will also work closely with the Australia-india Business Council to support mutual trade and investment.