Public Sphere: Government 2.0
Sat in the car heading down to Canberra for the second Public Sphere, Reem, Bern (from Mosman Council), and I have been talking about the possibilities of local government on the web, and the challenges that face the web staff in councils. In New South Wales we're on varying levels when it comes to our websites, or web services. Many are still tackling the basics of getting a functioning, usable, accessible website up, whilst others are experimenting in the realms of social media. Open data, open government, and open web, is something most are still learning about, let alone being at a stage where these methodologies will be incorporated into the building of new web services. For example, with a quick count it looks like less than 50% of councils in NSW have even one RSS feed, on the other hand we've seen more and more councils utilising social media such as YouTube, and gradually we're seeing councils popping up on Twitter.
So it's a mixed bag when you look at New South Wales as a whole, and this is not surprising with the huge regional diversity we have (as we do around the whole of Australia). Another big factor being the lack of fast broadband, which makes it difficult for councils to make their websites an important part of the services they provide their communities, and as a key community engagement tool. But Reem are excited by the individuals we've met and are connecting with through our network, and new networks and events such as Public Sphere. You can feel that there is a change happening from within and at the top of government, and it looks like we're all starting to head in the right direction in realising the potential of the web. We're collaborating, sharing our ideas, and beginning to build our Government 2.0.
The second Public Sphere hosted by Senator Kate Lundy is focussing on Government 2.0: Policy and Practice will be taking place in Canberra at Parliament house on Monday 22 June. Tickets sold out quickly but you can participate online - there will be a live video feed, live blogging and an accompanying Twitterfeed with hashtag #publicsphere.
Reem and I will be presenting a quick 10 minute presentation on Challenges in Local Government. See our presentation below, and other Public Sphere presentations on Slideshare.