Page 894 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 9 April 2014
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ACT offers services to all customers, but some are particularly popular with the senior community. Internet and computer training, from basic hardware and software familiarisation through to online security, is available in all Libraries ACT branches. Online computer training—the “Teach me” interactive self-paced computer training from Learningfast—is available to all library members using a membership number and PIN login. And Libraries ACT has the digital hub—free, easy training and information on a range of topics, with group and one-on-one sessions available.
These are all promoted and available through branches of Libraries ACT. Libraries ACT also attends the annual seniors expo held during Seniors Week to promote these services.
I share these few pieces of information with the Assembly to indicate the breadth of issues when we come to thinking about the digital Canberra action plan and how we need to think about the different audiences or different communities that are out there. I fear that too often it is all about young people, young business entrepreneurs and all that sort of thing; we need to be mindful of how it plays out for the rest of the community. As I say, with responsibility for the portfolio of ageing, it is something I am very conscious of.
From a party perspective, the ACT Greens have a long-held interest in supporting a greener, more digital city. We are also aware of the need to pursue this in a way that is sustainable. In 2010, my former colleague—and favourite member of the Liberal Party!—Caroline Le Couteur successfully moved a motion—
Mr Hanson: Hear, hear!
MR RATTENBURY: You have got to have a sense of humour about these things.
Mr Barr: I think you need to make sure that the punctuation is correct there. It could be very important.
MR RATTENBURY: Yes, the punctuation was important in that sentence; it did come out rather awkwardly. Ms Le Couteur successfully moved a motion calling on the government to consider that while ICT is a major enabler of government functions and a major source of employment, we also need to be aware of the long-term life cycles of the hardware used. This motion called for the expedition of the ICT sustainability plan, and my office has again raised this issue with my cabinet colleagues today. It would be good to see this report in the near future.
With our diverse population, we need to ensure that we are supporting all of our residents to fully engage with new and emerging technologies. For young people and old, students and professionals, we need to see a connected Canberra.
Members interjecting—
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: Sit down, Mr Rattenbury, for two seconds. Stop the clock. It may be all very amusing, but I can hardly hear Mr Rattenbury for all the banter that is going on on this side of the chamber—and some from the other side of
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