Internet Industry Association

 While all parties are now spruiking their offerings, the 2010 campaign will remind Australian politicians that many more users will be tuning in via always on Net applications, Internet Industry Association chief executive, Peter Coroneos said.

 More news reporters are relying on applications such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to review and engage with developments each day. The internet is becoming the default channel for many  users to inform themselves on what's happening.

Back in 2006, Broadband v Dial-up access to the Net was about 50:50.

According to the ABS, more than two out of three Australian households now have broadband. The Australian Capital Territory households have broadband in more than three out of four homes. 

The lowest is Tasmania, at just under half (49%). For this reason the IIA backs the current Government's approach to rolling out ubiquitous fast broadband for all. Its focus on Tasmania and less well served regions throughout Australia is a good starting point.

"Broadband is likely to remain a significant political issue in this election," he said.

However there are other Internet issues that will shape the next Government's policies that deserve consideration in the weeks ahead.

To that end, the IIA will launch a digital economy political guide on Tuesday week 27 July 12 noon - 2pm at Crown Towers, Southbank, Victoria

Called the "What Matters" lunch, it  will launch IIA's Digital Economy Political Guide 2010. Acknowledged thought leaders, Dr Terry Cutler (innovation review chair), Dr Nick Gruen (Gov 2.0 chair) and Professor Bill Caelli, AO will be on a special panel at the launch.

The Guide maps out an ambitous new policy agenda grounded in the practical realities of Net regulation, its impact and pace of change, covering

• broadband,
• copyright
• e-security,
• online safety, and
• privacy.

The guide will inform political decision-making not just for the next term of Government, but also for the decade ahead.

Accredited media will also receive courtesy hard copy versions.

If you wish to attend please respond NO LATER THAN 20 JULY to Carolyn Todd <carolyn@slatteryit.com.au> <mailto:carolyn@slatteryit.com.au>

Slattery IT corporate communications>marketing>event management Level 1, 43 Brisbane Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 t  02 9280 3677  | f 02 9280 3678

About the IIA

The Internet Industry Association (www.iia.net.au) provides policy input to government and advocacy on a range of business and regulatory issues, to promote laws and initiatives that enhance access, equity, reliability and growth of the Net within Australia.

For further comment or background, contact

Peter Coroneos peterc@iia.net.au
Chief Executive, IIA
Ph: 02 6232 6900