Page 893 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 April 2014
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that ACT taxpayers are fully informed of the costs, time frames and expected outcomes. I move:
Add new subparagraph (2)(d):
“(d) provide to the Assembly in the forthcoming budget an indicative timetable and detailed budget outline for delivery of the plan.”.
MR RATTENBURY (Molonglo—Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Housing, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and Minister for Ageing) (5.40): The goal of a truly modern city with a strong digital economy and interconnected information technology is commendable, and offers us many benefits. In the text of her motion, Ms Berry has sought to outline some of those key points, and it raises some very substantial issues that the Assembly needs to be considering.
As more and more of us are using digital devices for work and play, it is inevitable that our demands on the systems that support this way of life will increase. And, as we all know, the pace of technology is accelerating every day. It is therefore important that the government is keeping abreast of the latest developments and seeing how it can enhance people’s lives, both as a facilitator and as a provider.
A lot of government services can be enhanced, particularly through this area. Digital technology is playing a greater role in many areas of government activity. For example, it is vital in ACT education, both for our own students and for this key export industry. It is part of the vision of a city that has free wi-fi in public places. We will see that play a particularly valuable role in the transport hubs, and even on ACTION buses, which will be of great benefit, particularly, to our many students.
There are also benefits for tourists, who may come to Canberra needing more information about what our city has to offer, and for local traders and businesses as well. As the Minister for Ageing, I am aware that it is important that all Canberrans are able to be part of digital Canberra. Many older Canberrans have developed their wisdom through the analogue age; they can tend to be left out of the digital age. I am pleased that the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing is looking at the social inclusion of our older Canberrans; this includes looking at how we include older Canberrans in digital initiatives. For example, as we introduce more online options for the delivery of public services, including information and consultation through to billing and payment, we need to remember to provide options for those who are not au fait with the technology. A smartphone app will not really work that well on the old rotary-dial landline!
It would be fair to say that the government is aware of these issues. Another example is that where we are moving towards cashless options for payment, we retain other options of cash or even cheques. Also, when we do websites, we need to still think about where we need to retain printed material for particular audiences.
I can advise the Assembly that Libraries ACT is among the leaders in providing programs for older Canberrans on how to use computers and the internet. Libraries
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