Recent controversy surrounding the attorney general Michael Atkinson’s attempts to censor the internet have made one thing abundantly clear: we are served by a bunch of politicians who have no idea about technology. With a South Australian state election coming up on march 20th I’d like to do something to change that. What I propose is this: That a list of technology questions be sent to each candidate for the election and the results published.
I propose to do this for the seat of Morialta which is the one I live in and publish the results here. I will offer to link to any other posts that do the same for other electorates.
I don’t seriously think that this effort will unseat Michael Atkinson in Croydon but I do think that technology is an issue that affects many people’s lives and we owe it to ourselves to elect as many people as we can who actually have a clue what is going on. To that end here is my draft list of questions, comments are welcome:
- What web browser do you use?
- What is your day to day computer (PC, Apple, Laptop) etc?
- What social networking sites do you or your staff use (Facebook, Twitter, Others) and where can we find you on those sites?
- Do you have a blog and if so what is the address
- In your opinion, what is the role of the internet in the South Australian political process?
- What role should government play in regulating the internet?
- What are your thoughts on how to address objectionable content on the internet? What role should government play in this process?
- Do you support an R18+ classification for computer games?
- Tell us about the policies that your party has that would influence the use of technology if elected.
Update:
Question suggested by @lordfolland on Twitter:
What are your thoughts on the funding of computers for schools?
Other Electorates:
The following people have offered to do other electorates:
- Davenport
- Alex Prichard (@azp74)
- Enfield
- Mark Limburg (@Wyld)
- Newland
- David Folland (@lordfolland)
- Norwood
- appsii (@appsii)
- Reynell
- Damien Mason (@chimpocalypse)
GeoURL
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#1 by Damien on February 16th, 2010
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Here is the response from Gay Thompson, the member for Reynell. I also sent the questions to Shane Howard, the Liberal candidate. If he responds I’ll post that in the comments as well.
Incidentally I checked my enrolment and I am definitely listed in Morphett Vale.
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Damien
Thank you for your message.
Because of the impending election it is important that all information provided to the community about the policies of the party of which I am a member are clear and consistent. For this reason, and especially because many of the questions you ask relate to powers held by the Federal government, I have forwarded your message to our policy coordinators.
The IT I have available is provided by the Department of Finance as part of the package they supply (phones, photocopiers etc) to enable members of Parliament to do their jobs. Within the choices that are available to members, I chose a laptop rather than a PC. I also make full use of an HTC Diamond for emails, calendar etc.
While I recognise that some of my constituents may like to make use of the new technologies for communication my investigations indicate that this is a very small number. Indeed, you are the first to seek information on the topic. However, I monitor the situation in order to provide relevant information and to maximise my accessibility to my constituents.
Few respondents to my recent survey of constituents provided an email address although they were invited to do so. Emails to my office from constituents are also less frequent than letters or personal visits with telephone calls (with landline contact details), by far the main method of contact. I use web based material such as the City of Onkaparinga Social Atlas for information. This material shows that in general the suburbs I represent have lower internet connection than either the City of Onkaparinga or the Adelaide Statistical Division. I have included the site for you.
http://atlas.id.com.au/DefaultMap.aspx?id=119&pg=2010&c=3070&t=10075#empty-anchor
Accordingly, I use my limited resources to provide regular communication to my constituents in the traditional formats. Other information is available through the government and party websites. I contribute financially to the operation of the ALP website so that constituents who choose this method can access policy information. I am also pleased that recent government initiatives will allow better internet access through Adam to some areas in the South.
I cannot commit to a time frame for additional responses as many people ask questions on a vast array of topics at this time and it is important that each individual get a clear response consistent with the party’s plans for action if elected.
Incidentally, I note you say you live in Morphett Vale. The data base provided by the State Electoral Commission shows that your registered address is in Reynella. If you no longer live at this address it is important that you enrol to vote at your new address or you risk not being eligible to vote.
The necessary forms can be obtained from the Electoral Commission website and you can also check your enrolment on line.
http://www.ecsa.sa.gov.au/apps/news/?sectionID=7&pageID=471
I hope the information I have provided assists you.
Gay Thompson MP
MEMBER FOR REYNELL