AustLit was launched by the Honourable Dr Brendan Nelson, Minister for Education, Science & Training.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland and one of General Editors of the AustLit Gateway, Professor John Hay was also a Guest speaker.

After the speeches, Kerry Kilner (AustLit Executive Manager) demonstrated AustLit to the Minister, while Professor Hay and Director General of the National Library, Jan Fullerton looked on.

Some of AustLit's key players - Sally Batten (past team member and BAL contributor), Professor John Hay (AustLit General Editor), Professor Bruce Bennett (AustLit General Editor), Kerry Kilner (AustLit Executive Manager), John Arnold (AustLit General Editor), and Annette Scarvell (AustLit Senior Content Manager).

A number of AustLit Partners and team members, past and present, attended the Launch.

Also in attendance were a number of writers, academics, librarians and IT specialists and other invited guests.