The Australian Government has announced the opening of a grants program to provide up to $128.4 million to assist the telecommunications industry with the upfront costs of meeting their data retention obligations.
The announcement came via a joint media release by Federal infrastructure minister Warren Truss and his Communications counterpart Mitch Fifield.
The Data Retention Industry Grants Program consists of a single funding round open to telecommunications service providers who have data retention obligations.
According to the ministers, the program delivers on the government’s commitment to make a financial contribution to service providers’ up front data retention costs, and includes support for smaller providers.
The design of the program has benefited from consultation with the telecommunications industry, particularly through the Implementation Working Group.
Applications open today and close at 5pm on Tuesday, February 23.
Assisting industry with the implementation of the data retention obligations remains a key priority for the government, the two ministers said.
Metadata is used in nearly every counter-terrorism, counter-espionage and organised and major crime investigation.
It is also essential for the investigation of child abuse and child pornography offences, which are frequently carried out online.
Telecommunications companies with data retention obligations are required to retain limited communications data for two years.
Service providers with questions about the grants program, including the program guidelines, eligibility advice and the application form can visit the website here or contact the help line for potential applicants on 13 28 46, Monday to Friday between 8am—8pm with the exception of national public holidays.
