Media Release

Feedback welcome on Digital Economy Blog

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced an online consultation on the future of Australias digital economy.

"The online environment provides a whole new world of opportunities for Governments to interact and engage with the public," Senator Conroy said.

"It makes particular sense for us to engage using digital platforms with people who are interested in the digital economy and our digital future."

The Digital Economy Blog is the first in a series of trial online policy consultations being coordinated by the Australian Government Information Management Office.

Running for 18 days, the Digital Economy Blog will canvass community views on a range of topics relevant to our digital future. Readers will be free to post their views.

Upcoming blog posts include:

• What does the digital economy encompass?
• How do we maintain the same civil society we enjoy offline in an online world?
• How can the digital economy respond to environmental concerns?
• What should Australia do to ensure that our businesses and citizens have the necessary skills to participate fully in the digital economy?
• How can we measure the success of Australias digital economy?

"For the next 18 days, we will be conducting a public conversation on the potential of the digital economy in Australia ranging from environmental and social opportunities to regulatory frameworks and skills shortages," Senator Conroy said.

"The Australian public has a great enthusiasm for digital technologies and I expect a very lively discussion on the blog about the future of our digital economy."

The Digital Economy Blog is the latest in a series of consultations on Australias digital future and contributions will help shape a Future Directions Paper to be published early next year.

The Digital Economy Blog can be found at: www.dbcde.gov.au/digitaleconomyblog.

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Date: 9 December 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457