19 October 2006

Cross-party caucus set up to tackle ICT issues

Internet governance, digital copyright and child safety are just some of the issues that could be tackled at the newly established Parliamentary Internet Caucus.

The Inaugural meeting of the New Zealand Parliamentary Internet Caucus held at the Beehive two nights ago, was chaired by Communications Minister, Hon David Cunliffe and National's Communications Spokesperson, Hon Maurice Williamson.

"InternetNZ approached Maurice Williamson and I to set up a multi-party Internet caucus where ICT issues can be discussed in a non-political, collaborative way," David Cunliffe said.

Maurice Williamson said that the caucus was a way to increase and enhance knowledge and understanding by all Members of Parliament of the Internet and associated technologies.

InternetNZ's, Keith Davidson, David Farrar and Jordan Carter made a presentation at the meeting, outlining the US and UK Internet Caucus models and suggesting possible activities for the group.

These included inviting international guest speakers and industry participants, receiving research papers on specific issues as well as looking at areas such as net neutrality, suppression orders and the future of television.

Maurice Williamson said the caucus would grow and evolve over time and it would be member driven.

"The first step is for MP's to rate the importance of current "hot topics" in the ICT area and from there we can arrange meetings that are going to meet member needs," David Cunliffe said.

All Members of Parliament were invited to last night's meeting and representatives from Labour, National, United Future and New Zealand First were present.

InternetNZ are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation that aims to promote the Internet in New Zealand.

ENDS

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