Federal Budget: Hopefully Still the 'œLucky Country'

David Heath
Tuesday, 13 May 2008 18:56

IT Policy - Regulation

So, what’s the IT wish-list?

This is easy.  There are just a few things.  Firstly, PARTITION TELSTRA!  Until this happens, it will not be possible to have a vibrant, competitive telecommunications (and Internet) industry in Australia.

Secondly, build a REAL internet for everyone.  Utopia via fibre and copper in the cities and via various short-distance wireless technologies in the bush.  In less than 4 years would be nice.

Finally, an education program to teach parents that if their kids see something inappropriate on the internet, don’t haul down the shutters, do something totally unexpected – talk to them about it.  Even better, keep the family computer in the family room.  How hard is that?

The problem with “lucky country” is that luck eventually runs out.  The problem with “clever country” is that we’re still looking for it.  Good luck!