Hi World

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Hello cyber visitor, welcome! My name is Despina, I’m an Australian and a government employee and I’ve started this blog because as a researcher on the policy implications of Web 2.0 and citizen engagement by government, I thought I should take the practical plunge into blogging. I’m an enthusiastic exponent of using the web to expand public sector communications and in particular, to explore the potential for enhanced dialogue with citizens on policy and priority setting in government.  This little blog is a  platform for me to share what I can (and there are restrictions given my government role) but more importantly, to learn about e-participatory developments from you. Let’s talk, share and collaborate on all things e-empowerment! I welcome your contribution on this theme.

Web 2.0 and the Government 2.0 Taskforce

Have a look at the transcript of this recent discussion as held on ABC Radio on developments in thinking on participatory democracy.

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/futuretense/stories/2009/2690299.htm#transcript

Google and the Public Sector

Check out this informative blog on initiatives in Gov 2.0 and the interest that Google has in providing Web 2.0 tools and tips for the public sector.
<a href=”http://”>http://googlepublicsector.blogspot.com/

Public Sphere: ICT and the Creative Industries

Check out Senator Kate Lundy’s next public sphere event.

http://www.katelundy.com.au/2009/07/24/public-sphere-3-australian-ict-creative-industries-development/

Power of the blogosphere

Great little video explaining how the congruence of good youtube messaging with uptake via the blogosphere can result in viral video power for political or other campaigns.

http://youtubeandthe2008election.jitp2.net/video/kwallsten

Blogging As a Public Servant

Points rather germane to this exercise!
http://psnetwork.org.nz/blog/2007/02/16/blogging-as-a-public-servant/

The Three Pillars to Open Government

The Australian government is increasingly open to citizen centric services, open and transparent government and innovation facilitated by digital dialogue and inclusion.

http://www.katelundy.com.au/2009/06/20/three-pillars-of-open-government/

W3C Improving Access to Government

A fabulously rich resource on e-participation, re-use of government data, open government and heaps more.

http://www.w3.org/TR/2009/NOTE-egov-improving-20090512/

Democratising Access to Government Data

The Obama administration’s CIO and the Director of Citizen Participation are both moving this agenda foward at a great pace.

http://welcomeobama.com/2009/new-technologies-and-participation/

ACT Govt consulting online on how citizens want to engage

The Act government is currently asking its citizens how they want to engage with government. Check it out.
http://www.bangthetable.com/actconsultations

Presentation on Value of Web 2.0

A comprehensive slide show on aspects of web 2.0 – worth a good look