This informal gathering attracts a group of people who have an international reputation in the field and would be the envy of any of the new hi-tech organisations setting up around the world to exploit the Information Superhighway. An event such as this conference attracts a group of people with expertise and experience in IT of great value to Canberra. I am sure that you would welcome the opportunity to contribute that expertise to help build the Canberra on-line economy. I propose we harness this natural resource to build the Canberra economy. The cost savings the Government requires can be achieved in ways other than just cutting staff numbers.
People can telework, reducing travel and accommodation costs.
Activities which required national and international travel can be conducted by electronic conference. Large expensive office buildings can be replaced with small, low cost energy efficient ones. The private sector of Canberra can be expanded to provide an information infrastructure with goods and service for the Government sector. These same services will be attractive to Government agencies and large private organisations world wide. Other states are considering how to address these issues.