Media Release

47/2009
13 August 2009

Government 2.0 Taskforce Calls for Comment

The Government 2.0 Taskforce is seeking the community’s input on Government use of public sector information and online engagement with citizens through its discussion paper – Towards Government 2.0: an Issues Paper.

The issues paper asks a range of questions from across the government 2.0 agenda including:

How can government build a culture that favours the disclosure of public sector information?
What government information should be more freely available and what might be made of it?
What are the major obstacles to fostering a culture of online engagement within government and how can they be tackled?
How can government capture the imagination of citizens to encourage participation in policy development and collaboration between citizens and government?

To demonstrate the value of online engagement the Taskforce is encouraging the community to submit comments and ideas through its blog: http://gov2.net.au/consultation

Minister for Finance and Deregulation Lindsay Tanner said: "This consultation is a great example of some of the key concepts of Government 2.0. We want to tap into the reservoirs of experience and ideas within the public and private sectors and apply them to achieve more inclusive, open and effective government.”

"The Taskforce wants to hear observations, both good and bad, on how we manage information and engage citizens, and the perspectives and possibilities for how to improve.”

"I urge everyone with an interest in open government to take this opportunity to contribute their ideas and experiences.”

The Government 2.0 Taskforce was appointed by the Australian Government in June 2009 to provide advice on and run projects which demonstrate the benefit of more active collaboration by government with citizens and more open access to Commonwealth information.

Submissions addressing the issues paper should be forwarded to the Taskforce via its blog by the 23rd of August 2009.

Media Contact:	Website:
Tim Naughtin - 0438 265 065	www.financeminister.gov.au