There were approximately 3000 surplus Government computers last year and there are expected to be more this year.

Ms Bligh said the Memo of Understanding (MOU) would give low income and disadvantaged families access to information technologies for their children's education.

"Under the agreement, ten percent of the recycled workstations will be provided free to families in school communities where home ownership of computers is low.

"Another 20% of the recycled computers will be available for a substantially reduced fee to schools with the poorest student to computer ratios.

"Schools can purchase the remaining renewed computers at Green PC's regular recycling fee.

"I am pleased that this MOU between Education Queensland and Green PC will help address the digital divide."

Ms Bligh and Minister for Innovation and Information Economy, Paul Lucas jointly opened Infoxchange's new Green PC's Brisbane headquarters today at West End.

The Ministers presented the first two free computers donated under the new program to West End State School for use in its Community Education Centre.

"West End State School's Community Education Centre is a good example of how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can enhance community learning and strengthen links between schools and their communities," Ms Bligh said.

"This new joint venture also supports the Government's ICTs for Learning strategy. "This strategy aims to help Queensland state schools integrate ICTs into teaching, learning and the curriculum as part of the Queensland government's Queensland the Smart State Education and Training Reforms for the Future package." Mr Lucas said he was pleased that his department was able to donate 25 computers to the Green PC's project.

"We don't want anyone left behind in information economy in the Smart State. Low cost access to computers and the Internet is a positive step," Mr Lucas said.

Mr Lucas said the Queensland 2002 Household survey showed only 46% of people with an income of less than $11,000 per year have access to the Internet.

"This compares to 80% of people earning $51,000 or more having access," Mr Lucas said.

"Green PC is a highly acclaimed company that qualified as one of the finalists for Stockholm Challenge, the global awards programme that attracts IT-entrepreneurs from all over the world and rewards best practice of information technology.

"Almost 600 projects from 78 countries qualify each year. This is a record third year in a row that an initiative of Infoxchange Australia has been a finalist in the Stockholm Challenge.

"In 2000 Infoxchange Australia won for using technology for social justice.

"It is also admirable that the company's Queensland headquarters has more than 20 people working onsite, the majority of whom have been long-term unemployed," Mr Lucas said.