Welcome to Government 2.0 Australia

This group aims to host discussions around the issues that can broadly be termed Government 2.0 as well as serve as a clearinghouse for links, events and new thinking around the subject matter. This group quite deliberately seeks to serve the needs of interested parties at all levels of government in Australia - federal, state and local.

There is much discussion about the meaning of the term Government 2.0. Everybody in this group brings a slightly different focus to their interest in the subject matter, but we all agree on the fact that it is about all of technology, culture, change and openness.

The closest thing we appear to have to an acceptable definition goes something like:

"Government 2.0 is not specifically about social networking or technology based approaches to anything. It represents a fundamental shift in the implementation of government - toward an open, collaborative, cooperative arrangement where there is (wherever possible) open consultation, open data, shared knowledge, mutual acknowledgment of expertise, mutual respect for shared values and an understanding of how to agree to disagree. Technology and social tools are an important part of this change but are essentially an enabler in this process."

From time to time, we modify this definition to suit our group view.

In mid-2009, Government 2.0 Camp Australia will be held in Canberra, the national capital. It will be a BarCamp-styled unconference mixed with more formal talks and will welcome ideas and opinions from across society at all levels - the public, the executive and our politicians. You are encouraged to get involved in organising this event or a supporting or independent event in your region.

Join the group to ensure you keep up to date on progress of Government 2.0 in Australia.

NOTE: From time to time, the list accepts announcements about events beyond the immediate group subject matter. If you would like to make an announcement about your event on the list, please contact an admin by direct email and ask if it's okay first. We'll probably say yes. If you don't ask first, you may be spam-reported and banned.