David Bartlett

David Bartlett was the Premier of the Australian State of Tasmania from 2008 until 2011. During his parliamentary career he also held the positions of Minister for Innovation, Science & Technology and Minister for Education & Skills. His time as Premier was characterised by bold reforms designed to lift Tasmania educational outcomes and capitalise on Tasmania's natural advantages in water, food and renewable energy.

For his work in promoting innovation and broadband infrastructure David was recently named by The Australian as one of Australia's Top 50 most influential people in technology.

Prior to entering Parliament, David had an extensive career in the information technology and telecommunications sector including roles as Chief Information Officer and industry development specialist. As Premier, he switched on the first non-Telstra owned optic fibre backbone in Tasmania, developed the first broad scale FTTP brownfields roll out and championed his home state as the first National Broadband Network location.

David is now a Director of Explor Consulting. He brings a unique perspective to discussions about broadband, innovation, commercialisation and the future of government service delivery and is passionate about sharing the Tasmanian experience with other regional economies. Since leaving the Parliament, David has been working with regional economies, industry sectors and communities across Australia to prepare strategies for maximising economic and social renewal underpinned by broadband and digital technologies.

David is also Chairman of Asdeq Labs, a technology startup building enterprise mobility solutions and currently expanding operations into the US. He is a Director of PlaceSpeak international, a company delivering the world’s first geo-social online consultation platform for Government and industry. David is a Senior Advisor to the Nous Group and a member of the advisory board for the Centre for New Public Education.