Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .
Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 4 Hansard (3 April) . . Page.. 1505 ..
5. If there was funding left over from last year's Digital Divide funding where has that money been allocated;
6. The Government recently produced an IT Training Booklet at a cost of $25,000:
a) what new information does the booklet contain, other than information already flowing out in the community;
b) where can copies be obtained.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member's question is as follows:
1. With regard to the Community IT Advisory Group:
a) Role: The Community IT Advisory Group was established in June 2002 to provide advice to the ACT Government on strategies aimed at addressing equity of access to IT and Internet services, and related matters, within the ACT. The Group met seven times between July 2002 and December 2002 and, as the primary consultative mechanism through which the community can inform the Government of their connectivity needs, provided invaluable input into the development of the Community IT Access Plan.
b) Terms of Reference:
Take a key role in assisting the Government develop and implement policies to address a broad range of issues related to the digital divide.
Identify priorities and propose actions that will promote and guide a range of initiatives designed to provide a framework for the Community IT Access Plan.
Identify and initiate research and provide advice on matters referred by the Minister or raised as a result of community consultation.
Draw on the expertise of its members and their links to the broader community to assist in progressing issues under consideration.
Consult regularly with relevant community organisations and individuals to identify concerns and propose relevant action. Act as a link between these particular groups and the government on such issues.
Establish links to and draw on expertise from other bodies and organisations addressing a similar range of issues.
Offer the opportunity for members to develop partnerships, alliances and other mutually beneficial relationships, to support the development of new digital divide initiatives.
c) Reporting: The model for the Community IT Advisory Group provides for regular reporting to the Minister on significant achievements and issues. The development of the Community IT Access Plan was the most significant achievement of this Group and this Plan was provided to me as the Minister in December 2002.
2. Resources for community digital divide needs were determined in the context of budget priorities and with regard to ACT Labor's Information Society Policy.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .