[Linux-aus] 2020 summit - does open-source software have a place at the table?

[Kanchana Wickremasinghe]

Hi All,

We too are more than happy to contribute and support the representatives 
of FOSS.

> All,
>
> You have probably heard about the PM's plan to hold a summit in April
> to discuss how we should plan for issues facing Australia as far out
> as 2020. According to
> http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/2020-vision-rudd-summit-to-map-future/2008/02/03/1201973740462.html
> -
> "The Government has identified 10 areas it will ask the summit to
> tackle. These are: directions for the economy; infrastructure;
> environmental issues including population, sustainability, climate
> change and water; rural Australia; national health strategy;
> strengthening communities; indigenous Australia; the arts; the future
> of government; and Australia's security and international relations."
>
> Those of us with a passion for FOSS could clearly identify areas where
> it can have an impact. However, are we able to articulate this clearly
> and forcefully such that we help set policy that will see the benefits
> of FOSS fully ripened and impacting postitvely on Australian society
> and economy? While the actual makeup of the "1000" has not been
> announced - "the best and brightest brains" are to be chosen. Can I
> suggest that LA very quickly:-
>
> * Lobby government that at least 1 or 2 open-source software leaders
> be asked to participate
> * Prepare a brief of how software freedommight impact on those 10
> areas outlined by the government.
>
> There are a number of people in our community (you know who you are
> :-) ) who would have the skills to undertake one or both of those
> tasks. It would be a great use of those unassigned grant funds to make
> sure that a professional and thorough response be made - particularly
> given the short time frame. This may be the best opoortunity we have
> to ensure that Australia actually plans to have FOSS be a significant
> part of our society.
>
> (BTW I heard former WA premier Geoff Gallup mention we should be using
> smart technology at the summit to ensure that the 1000 delegates all
> have the ability to actively participate in the summit. This makes me
> think of Wiki's, AbiCollab and the like. Maybe someone whip some smart
> stuff to do this real quick ;-) )
>   


-- 
best regards,

Kanchana Wickremasinghe
Chief Architect

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