Home-grown global tech leader iSelect will relocate its service centre operations from South Africa to Victoria and create a new Data Science Centre of Excellence, creating 155 new Victorian jobs.
The Andrews Labor Government has worked with iSelect on the move, which will see 90 customer service roles return to Victoria, and 65 new high-skilled positions – including internships and exchange programs – created in the Data Science Centre.
iSelect’s decision to buck the outsourcing trend and bring jobs back to Victoria is a testament to the health of the state’s economy and positive business conditions.
The Data Science Centre of Excellence will further develop Victoria’s digital tech capabilities in areas such as machine learning, data science and artificial intelligence, and service both Australian and Asian markets. Both centres will be located at iSelect’s Cheltenham headquarters.
Established in 2000, iSelect’s web-based consumer comparison platform has grown rapidly to become a global pioneer in online comparative services for insurance, finance, energy, broadband and entertainment products.
Victoria is Australia’s digital technology leader, with world-class skills and capabilities in cyber security, ICT education, web and mobile app development, cloud computing, systems data, software development and advanced digital tech research.
iSelect joins a long list of global tech leaders such as Google, Amazon, LiveTiles, Square, Zendesk and MYOB either expanding or setting up headquarters in Victoria – strengthening the state’s reputation Australia’s tech capital.
As noted by Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis
"This is yet another example of a home-grown company showing that it’s possible to break into global markets without having to leave Victoria."
"Victoria continues to be a hub for global tech leaders, strengthening our reputation as a centre of excellence and helping us to grow the jobs and industries of the future."
As noted by Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson
"This is wonderful news for local jobs. We thank iSelect for their commitment to Cheltenham and look forward to the company becoming an even bigger part of our community."
As noted by Acting Chief Executive Officer of iSelect Brodie Arnold
"We’re delighted to be bringing jobs back to Victoria and creating the Data Science Centre of Excellence. These projects will expand the digital technology capabilities of existing and new staff at our Cheltenham headquarters, and will service our businesses in both Australia and Asia."
