Australian Government explores ways to use Web 2.0

Stuart Corner
Monday, 22 June 2009 12:04

Business IT - Technology

Funds could be used for pilot projects and trials (including scoping, development and implementation) in respect of Web 2.0 tools and applications created to enable government engagement and consultation with the Australian public; for awards, prizes and other benefits for groups or individuals who develop innovative information technology tools and applications that make use of government information sources; to engage third-party consultants to provide advice on particular elements of the Government 2.0 agenda, for example technical or specialist policy advice.

The taskforce will run competitions that will invite interested individuals and groups to submit ideas and Web 2.0 designs to the Taskforce for consideration and potential prizes and other benefits such as funding for pilots.

The project fund has been established in partnership with Microsoft using money from a special Service Provision Fund (SPF), established by Microsoft in 2001 to support information technology projects that enabled or supported government's computer software investments.

From 2001 to 2008 Microsoft has periodically put a fixed proportion of its revenue from its sales of its products to the Australian Government into the SPF. This arrangement ended in 2008 with the commencement of a new volume sourcing arrangement between Microsoft and the Australian Government. However, Microsoft has agreed to commit a portion of the remaining SPF to support the work of the taskforce. Microsoft will not have a role in deciding which projects are funded, but will manage the fund under the direction of the taskforce chair.

Under the terms of reference the taskforce will investigate and make recommendations on how to:
- make government information more accessible and usable - to establish a pro-disclosure culture around non-sensitive public sector information;
- make government more consultative, participatory and transparent - to maximise the extent to which government utilises the views, knowledge and resources of the general community;
- build a culture of online innovation within Government - to ensure that government is receptive to the possibilities created by new collaborative technologies and uses them to advance its ambition to continually improve the way it operates; and
- promote collaboration across agencies with respect to online and information initiatives - to ensure that efficiencies, innovations, knowledge and enthusiasm are shared on a platform of open standards.