Government Policies

The Australian government has spent an aggregate of $31.1 billion in research and development in information technology between 1984 and 1996, resulting in a highly technological telecommunications infrastructure characterized by broadband networks and digital transmission capabilities. The government intends to further the development of its IT industry through implementing a national strategy for information and communications services and technologies.

Some of the Australian Government's new initiatives include:

· Establishing a program called Accessing Australia to give access to a wide range of on-line information services and interactive networks through public libraries, community centers and other public places;

· Developing Australia's Story: Our National Collections On-Line to develop and provide on-line access to all Australians to material held in their galleries and museums;

· Creating a National Indigenous Communications Network to provide a national indigenous radio service, and news service;

· Captioning of ABC and SBS evening news services;

· Improving protection of privacy and intellectual property; and

· Setting measures to promote the development of internationally competitive information industries in Australia.

In addition, the government has introduced new telecommunications reforms to commence later this year, as mentioned in the Privatization and Deregulation Section. These reforms are anticipated to further open the telecommunication market and increase competition. It will also encourage foreign companies to invest in Australia and strengthen the nation as a regional hub for information services.

Although figures indicate high IT funding in the past for R&D, the government is now beginning to limit its spending. For example, government agencies will now have to present the federal government with business plans demonstrating results and savings on IT projects. In addition, the Finance Minister John Fahey recently announced that the Australian Government will outsource all its IT work. Estimates predict the outsourcing could save the government almost A$1 billion.

URL: http://www.http://gurukul.ucc.american.edu/initeb/lk0767a/australi.htm

Author: Linda Kallmeyer

Last Update: May 6, 1997