Tasmania's future depends in part on how well we embrace the changes in information and communications technologies, and how we choose to participate in the global information society.

For the Tasmanian community to become a true information society its members must have ready and equitable access to quality information irrespective of where they live or their ability to afford the latest technology.

Tasmania is already well-resourced in information infrastructure. Public facilities, including libraries, Online Access Centres, and Service Tasmania shops, operate throughout the state to provide the public with access to information, including the information available through the internet.

Government provides important information to the public through dedicated websites and print publications, plus the public media of television, radio and newspapers. The many institutions dedicated to the documentation and preservation of Tasmania's unique heritage enable and encourage public access to records and collections - all highly valuable sources of information about our state.

Access issues

The availability of new technologies is changing our community's expectations of how public information is delivered. All forms of publishing and public communication are being challenged and transformed by new technology and the internet.

The internet provides publishers with opportunities for enhanced product distribution, but this does not necessarily translate into wider public access. Many commercial electronic publications are available only with payment, thus restricting access to those who are able to pay.

Publishers such as governments, businesses and community organisations intending to communicate with and inform the public have a responsibility to ensure that public access to information is not dependent on individual capacities to pay.

Libraries perform an important role in identifying, selecting and making widely available a cross-section of publications, both printed and electronic, that reflect different views and treatments of a range of subject matter.

Tasmanians should be able to access information from any part of the world, as they choose and as is most appropriate for their needs. Enhanced access to public information will support the capacity of Tasmanians to make informed decisions about all aspects of their lives - personal, business, professional and community - and to participate more fully in public decision-making at all levels.

Skills needed

While many communities and individuals place a high value on information, the increasing volume, variety, and often complexity of information, means that it has become more difficult for many people to find the information they need and to know what is reliable.

In addition, the increasing need to use new technology presents a barrier for many adults who have not grown up with the protocols and the language required to access information in this way.

The ability of the Tasmanian business sector to compete in the global economy will be based in large part on the information skills it possesses.

It is crucial that the information sector in Tasmania operates within the context of global developments and that individual businesses and industry specialists work cooperatively at the local level and with government, where applicable, to avoid costly duplication of effort and to bring the best in available technologies to the consumer.

Quality matters

Organisations, government agencies and individuals that publish and/or make publications available to the public have a responsibility to provide quality information.

Information provided to the Tasmanian public should also reflect Tasmanians' needs, priorities, and interests. There is a need to ensure that Tasmanian publishers seize the opportunities afforded by new technology and make effective use of it.

Information should be presented in a manner suited to the public audience, and content must be reliable and presented in appropriate language and accessible formats.

Online democracy

With advances in technology and information delivery comes the opportunity to increase the public's participation in informed debate and decision-making processes that affect their lives. This offers an opportunity to advance democratic processes by making decision-making more inclusive.

Community use of the internet can allow individuals to interact and communicate with government in new and more immediate ways. By providing forums for the community, this new medium allows fresh ideas and information to be gathered, synthesised and shared.

Vision

Informing Tasmanians envisages a Tasmanian society that uses, values and has ready access to quality information as a vital resource in the pursuit of prosperity, quality of life, lifelong learning, informed decision making, and for the development of personal and community wellbeing.