Citizens to ‘follow’ government online

AUSTRALIANS should have direct input into the decisions of their local government via digital engagement platforms according to software company, SAP Australia Pty Ltd.

SAP Australia will spruik the benefits of deploying technology to collect and analyse community data, share local government solutions to common problems and empower residents to decide on the allocation of resources, when they appear before a public hearing in Canberra tomorrow.

The public hearing is part of the House Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities’ inquiry into the Australian Government’s role in the Development of cities.

In a joint submission to the inquiry SAP Australia and the Regional Australia Institute argued that although government rhetoric highlights the importance of consultation and community engagement, it isn’t necessarily occurring.

“Our experience is that what is termed to be consultation fatigue, ie lack of participation which frustrates a central agency’s ability to convene the meetings it needs to demonstrate its engagement, is in fact a patronising term hiding the reality that those who do the consulting don’t take the outcomes and act on them,” the two organisations submitted, “…ongoing citizen engagement is vital for better local outcomes.”

Committee Chair, John Alexander OAM MP, said the Committee is very interested in exploring how the Australian Government can foster ‘smart’, engaged communities.

“The evidence presented to the Committee has highlighted the importance of data to informal decision making,” Mr Alexander said.

“The Committee is keen to explore access to better data to promote improved decision making and community engagement.”

Public hearing details: 5pm–6.30pm, Tuesday, 27 February 2018 Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

5.00 pm: SAP Australia Ptd Lty and the Regional Australian Institute
6.30 pm: Close

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

ends