Mark Elliott

This blog is in itself representative of Australia's digital economy - it is thus far productive with strong growth, but is it sustainable, what is the quality and diversity of its output, and can it compete with other emerging economies? There is a great opportunity here (in Australia and on this blog) a good many informed and intelligent individuals not just willing to participate, but doing so with gusto. No doubt you are learning a great deal about this type of process and the interests of your constituents. However if this blog is to move beyond traditional consultation (eg, a letter to your minister) and explore the much heralded 'web2.0' potential, there needs to be a two way dialogue (as Sams rightly suggests). If this does not happen, I fear the unaddressed issues will dominate and eventually take over (if they aren't already). This is no doubt a challenging and likely daunting task, but one that must happen if the digital economy is to flourish sustainably - at the national level and that of this blog. Otherwise, I fear you can expect a brain drain.