Sydney, Australia: 31st July 2007:
Datacom Australia is pleased to announce Dr Allan Hawke has joined as a Director of the Board.

Dr Hawke brings to Datacom high-level insights into emerging influences on Australia’s business and broader social environment, a profound understanding of Federal Government processes from his 30+ years in the Commonwealth Public Service and extensive contacts in the private and public sectors. His advice on commercial and strategic risk will be invaluable as the company continues to expand nationally.

Dr Hawke is a distinguished Australian who previously held senior public service roles under both Liberal and Labor Governments. These included serving as Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Paul Keating and as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. When Prime Minister John Howard came to office, he appointed Dr Hawke as Secretary of Transport and Regional Development and then as Secretary of Defence.

On completion of his three year term in Defence, Dr Hawke served for two and a half years as Australia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand. He retired from the public service on 27 February 2006, before being installed as Chancellor of the Australian National University.

Dr Hawke comments, “I am now in the fortunate position of being able to contribute to organisations that interest me. I was immediately attracted by Datacom’s model of organic growth supplemented by targeted acquisitions as well as the calibre of its leadership team.

“In my experience, successful companies start with a CEO who can translate business direction into meaningful, actionable information - Michael Browne has what it takes to do that in spades.”

Datacom Australia’s CEO, Michael Browne, adds, “The bipartisan appointments Allan has received during his 30 years in the Commonwealth Public Service demonstrate the high level of respect he commands from our nation’s leading officials.

“Allan’s appointment will help promote Datacom’s operational presence in the ACT and add real value at Board level, particularly by assisting us to make in-roads into the Federal Government sector.”

Dr Hawke’s other current postings include:

• Chairman, MTAA Superannuation Fund Trustee Board
• Member, Foreign Affairs Council
• Member, Defence and National Security Advisory Council
• Director, Canberra Raiders Board
• Member, Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics Advisory Board

Dr Allan Hawke is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management, the Australian Institute of Public Administration and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and he holds a Bachelor of Science (1st Class Honours) and a Doctor of Philosophy from the Australian National University.