Support international programs to overcome the
digital divide as well as global networks for human rights, poverty
alleviation, justice, and universal education so as to alleviate the
root causes of terrorism and war
The G8 countries have embarked on substantial (trillions of dollars)
programs to overcome the digital divide (start from www.dotforce.org). Though a bit
smaller than G8 Australia could do something meaningful and substantial
in this region. It's something of an anomaly that CIDA (Canadian Aid)
have done more in Australia's "sphere of influence" to build networking
capabilities than Australia has.
Australia could support establishment of global or regional networks
addressing issues such as human rights and poverty. Support of such
programs would help to make Austrlaia a good neighbour in the region
and also a player in technology development.
Support for universal access to the Internet, and
for the freedom of all peoples to communicate via the Internet
regardless of socio-economic status, country of origin, political
beliefs, disability, or any other form of discrimination.
Achieving this goal will require us to overcome the following challenges:
- Many government and other web sites are still not accessible to people with
disabilities
- Many people still cannot afford Internet access - to people in many
countries in our region the Internet is a total luxury beyond their means
- Attempts to cut Internet access to geographical regions due to
security crises
We support an effective role for Australia in evolution of
Internet governance and in ensuring a global Internet able to operate
on behalf of the whole, and operate independently from any particular
country's political system and political objectives.
Australia has played a good role in evolution of Internet governance
structures. Efforts like that must continue, as the Internet governance
structures are still new, impermanent, and a little fragile. Australia
cannot afford to go quiet on these issues. Australia can argue for the
evolution of the co-operative structures involve government, business and
community interests which are emerging to ensure balanced Internet growth.
These activities can be very low cost, but can have a significant affect on
what actually happens, and on the way Australia can be perceived as a global
player in new technology fields.
Return to Federal Election 2001 key points.