27 July 2000 - Information management for a knowledge society
Information management for a knowledge society
Senator Kate Lundy, Shadow Minister assisting on Information Technology, told a
conference on Electronic Service Delivery in the Government Sector in Canberra today that
the Coalition Government has little concept of the strategic importance of information
management.
"Information management is no longer merely an internal issue confronting an
organisations and their employees. It is no longer just a question of homogenising
infrastructure and saving a few dollars. What is different now is that information
management is now about the relationship between the government and the citizen. The
Internet will become the user interface of democracy, Senator Lundy said.
"The Coalition Government is persisting with a flawed model, a program of
Information Technology outsourcing that is stripping the capability out from under the
administration to move with the times and adapt their service delivery.
"Under the Coalition, we are at risk of losing the policy tools needed by
government to effect positive change. This is occurring at a time where governments around
the world are waking up to the information society. Governments elsewhere are brimming
with ideas that will enable them to provide opportunities for the people they represent.
"Labor will inherit what the Coalition leaves for us. So it’s plain to see
why our call at the last election to halt the IT outsourcing program and review it
immediately makes sense.
"Information management is central to the effective operation of a democratic
society. The growing understanding and acceptance of this has led to a deeper
understanding of the elements that will drive progress in society. Labor’s vision for
a knowledge nation demonstrates a commitment to, and a value adding of, human capability,
understanding, creativity and diverse experience," Senator Lundy said.
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50/00.Contact: Simon Tatz on 02-6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
