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Strategic Framework for the Information Economy - Second Progress Report
Introduction
In January 1999, the Commonwealth Government released A Strategic Framework for the Information Economy, articulating its vision for Australia and setting a national framework to achieve it. This vision builds on and is compatible with Australia's already prominent position in the global information economy as a one of the leading producers and users of new technologies.
A Strategic Framework for the Information Economy outlined ten priorities for action. The Government has been working on these and on the additional priority area of the regional information economy. This is the second progress report on work furthering the development of key enablers in the economy, the community and Government itself.
The first progress report on the Government's response to the strategic priorities identified in "A Strategic Framework for the Information Economy" was released in July 1999.
Second Progress Report - May 2000
The second progress report released in May 2000 provides an overview of important initiatives and activities being progressed by government and industry to create the opportunity for all Australians to benefit from the rapidly growing information economy. It identifies key priorities for action, progress, future work priorities and performance indicators to help measure progress during 2000.
The key priority areas on which this report focuses are:
1. Maximise opportunities for all Australians to benefit from the information economy.
The Government aims to promote full community and individual participation in the information economy. While Australian Internet use overall is increasing rapidly, disparities in access and use are already emerging. People on low incomes, without tertiary education, living in rural and remote areas, of Aboriginal heritage, with disabilities, with a language background other than English, aged over 55, and women are less likely to use the Internet. The Government is committed to ensure that all Australians benefit from the information economy.
2. Deliver the education and skills Australians need to participate in the information economy.
Education is a fundamental key to wealth creation and competitiveness in the current global information economy. The Commonwealth Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA), in consultation with the education and training sector, has developed the Education and Training Action Plan for the Information Economy with a view to enable Australians to use technology confidently and creatively and enhance their ability to communicate, apply knowledge, and create and take advantage of employment opportunities.
3. Advance the growth of a world class infrastructure for the information economy.
Fundamental to achieving a world class infrastructure is the creation in Australia of a commercial, competitive communications sector by providing an appropriate policy and regulatory environment. Australia already has a relatively well developed communications infrastructure and sophisticated commercial environment by world standards. The challenge for Australia is to continue to develop and improve its already relatively advanced international position.
4. Increase significantly the use of electronic commerce by Australian business.
The objective is to increase the use of electronic commerce by Australian business and business-to-business electronic transactions, having regard to the overriding policy principle that the growth of electronic commerce will be led by the private sector.
5. Develop a legal and regulatory framework to facilitate electronic commerce.
Setting a legal and regulatory framework for electronic commerce is a vital step in building the confidence of business and consumers that online information and transactions are authentic, private, secure and legally sound.
6. Promote the integrity and growth of Australian content and culture in the information economy.
Much work is being done at all levels of the Australian cultural sector to facilitate the development of online content and services. It is important that this work is encouraged and supported, to enable all Australians to access and contribute to our cultural heritage, and ensure that Australia maintains a strong and unique national identity in the global information economy.
7. Develop the Australian information industries.
Strong growth of information industries is a crucial source of prosperity for nations in the information economy. Apart from the direct benefits that flow from the sector, information technology is increasingly supporting all forms of production, and information industries are helping other industry sectors to raise their levels of productivity and access to innovation.
8. Unlock the potential of the health sector.
Health Ministers have recognised the need for a national collaborative approach to ensure that the benefits that online technologies can bring to the health care sector are realised for all Australians. To this end, the National Health Information Advisory Council has released the first version of Health Online: A health Information Plan for Australia. The Plan outlines a blueprint for progressing the health information management/information technology agenda nationally.
9. Influence the emerging international rules and conventions for electronic commerce.
Electronic commerce reduces the significance of geographic distances and national borders, making ever more important a stable international environment for investment and engagement in electronic commerce in a global marketplace. The objective is to ensure that the international policy and regulatory environment for electronic commerce reflects Australian national priorities, business and user needs.
10. Implement a world class model for delivery of all appropriate government services online.
In 1997, the Prime Minister made a commitment that all appropriate Commonwealth government services would be delivered online by 2001. As this deadline approaches, the Commonwealth is pursuing a broad, whole-of-government strategy for moving its information and services online. On 6 April 2000, Government Online - The Commonwealth Government's Strategy was released.
11. Regional Information Economy
The information economy is a critical element in the growth of regional Australia. Improved communications and information technology can build stronger and more viable regional communities, with better investment and employment opportunities. Online delivery of a wide range of information and services can also enhance the quality and convenience of life in regional Australia.