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The Victorian Parliament's major discussion paper is located directly at: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/sarc/E- Democracy/Discussion%20Paper.pdf They also have have nine handy discussion sheets available from the page mentioned below. Overall, this is an amazingly thorough and well structured collection of information. I believe more and more strongly that our representative institutions need to provide e- democracy leadership in both what they do online and the laws they pass that in some cases require the use of information and communication tools by government bodies to improve policy making, citizen input, and more effective implementation of government policy. While I haven't officially announced it, the final version of my paper on e-government and e-democracy in Australia and New Zealand is now on my web site: http://www.publicus.net/articles/aunzedem.html Also, if you want to connect with others in Australia interested in e-democracy, send an e-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. Feel free to use this e-mail list to share comments on Victoria's discussion paper or any other e-democracy matters in Australia. Another place to connect is the active Link list: http://sunsite.anu.edu.au/link/faq.shtml It is probably the most influential Internet policy e-mail list in the world tied to a specific country. Steven Clift Democracies Online http://www.e-democracy.org/do From: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/sarc/Current%20Inquires.htm#EDemocrac y E-Democracy Closing Date for Submissions: 25 October 2002. Public Hearing dates: To be advised Reporting date: 31 December 2002 Contact: Andrew Monaghan, Senior Policy Officer Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Committee is investigating how the community can have more say in Policy. The Inquiry is looking at using email and the Internet to allow people to voice their concerns and opinions to Parliament and government. This will allow everyone to take a more active role in the democratic process. It will make Parliament and government more responsive and accountable. Voting by Internet in State elections will also be considered. Minister's Press Releases About the Inquiry <Word><PDF> About the Discussion Paper <Word><PDF> Terms of Reference Under the powers found in section 4F(1)(a)(ii) and section 4F(3) of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 the Governor in Council refers the following matters to the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee – The Committee is requested to report on the opportunities available through the use of new technologies to improve public access to, and participation in, the processes of Parliament and government, including: Netcasting of Parliamentary proceedings; Online interactive and collaborative approaches to policy discussion, including citizen email and online forums; and Other technology solutions to promote access and participation; and to this end consider the core issues of the: Potential impact of new and emerging technologies on the democratic processes of government; Options available to improve democratic processes through the use of such technologies (for example, through electronically enabled voting); Costs and benefits of new technologies that promote e-democracy; Equitable access of all citizens to e-democracy; Legal and regulatory factors; and Educational or social barriers to the implementation of e-democracy – in order to review and make recommendations on any necessary or desirable amendments to the Constitution Act Amendment Act 1958, the Electronic Transactions Act 2000 and any other relevant legislation to facilitate these opportunities. The Committee, in undertaking this Inquiry, should also have regard to experiences in other jurisdictions and a number of projects either implemented or currently under way in Victoria, including: E-mail to and from citizens; "Have Your Say" on http://www.vic.gov.au; and Legislation and Hansard Online, and the Parliamentary website (http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au). This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on public participation in democratic and parliamentary processes. It is not intended to examine issues relating to service delivery and government on-line processes, except as they may impact directly on issues of e-democracy. The Committee is to report to Parliament by 31 December 2002. Progress on Investigations The Committee has released a Discussion Paper for public comment. If you would like to know how to have your say about the e-democracy inquiry please read the cover note prepared by the Committee Chair, Ms Mary Gillett MP <Having your Say> The Committee has also produced discussion sheets covering a range of issues - 1. Technology and Democracy <Word> <PDF> 2. Improving how our Democracy Works <Word> <PDF> 3. Netcasting Parliament <Word> <PDF> 4. Online Policy Discussion <Word> <PDF> 5. Other Technologies <Word> <PDF> 6. Costs and Benefits <Word> <PDF> 7. Fair Access for Everyone <Word> <PDF> 8. Legal Issues <Word> <PDF> 9. Educational and Social Factors <Word> <PDF> ^ ^ ^ ^ Steven L. Clift - W: http://www.publicus.net Minneapolis - - - E: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Minnesota - - - - - T: +1.612.822.8667 USA - - - - - - - ICQ: 13789183 *** Past Messages, Discussion http://e-democracy.org/do *** *** To subscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] *** *** Message body: SUB DO-WIRE *** *** To UNSUBSCRIBE instead, write: UNSUB DO-WIRE *** *** Please forward this post to others and encourage *** *** them to subscribe to the free DO-WIRE service. *** *** Please send submissions to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ***
