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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

Thanks!

I used yuml to do the diagrams. Have a look at the source of the page, the URL that I used to generate the UML is in the page.

this is totally off-topic but I accidentally stumbled upon this blog while searching for Grails and CMS. I’ve noticed this fantastic UML picture. Which application is able to produce such (hand-drawn looking but intense) output?

I’m sorry for not being able to contribute to your project but we’re stuck in a stage a lot more basic than your kind of approach.

Thank you indeed,
Manuel.