Conroy seeks input on Digital Economy

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Stephen Conroy is seeking industry feedback on a consultation draft of the future directions for Australia's digital economy.

The Minister has committed to releasing a final 'Digital Economy Future Directions' paper in the first half of 2009.

By releasing the draft paper Senator Conroy is seeking written responses from industry by February 11. Contributions should be sent to DEFutureDirections@dbcde.gov.au

The draft paper was written following broad consultation with industry groups, businesses and other stakeholders through 2008.

"The digital economy promises many opportunities for raising productivity and driving efficiency across all sectors of society," Senator Conroy said. "The Rudd Government is laying the foundations for our digital economy and it is important that we act now to ensure we make the most of those investments."

Those investments include the budgeted $4.7 billion National Broadband Network (NBN) and the $1 billion Education Revolution funding for computing in schools.

The consultation process in 2008 included for the first time a trial Digital Economy blog to allow for direct, Web 2.0-based input into the development of the draft document by the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

"This draft paper identifies the themes and suggestions to drive Australia's digital economy raised through our initial consultations," Senator Conroy said. "The Rudd Government wants to engage with all interested parties on the future of Australia's digital economy."

POSTED January 19th, 2009 by CeBIT Australia