Media Release: VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT ONLINE INFORMATION GOES MOBILE

FROM THE MINISTER FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

DATE: Thursday, October 21, 2004

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT ONLINE INFORMATION GOES MOBILE

Victorians will soon be able to access contact information for their local, state and federal governments via their mobile phones.

The Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Marsha Thomson, today welcomed the inclusion of Victoria Online - Government Contact Information - on Telstra’s i-mode service.

“This partnership with Telstra is an innovative way of delivering government web based information to Victorians via their mobile phones,” Ms Thomson said.

“Tourism Victoria and BetterHealth Channel information are also available on i-mode and we’ll consider including other government websites as i-mode develops.”

Telstra’s new i-mode service will provide Victorians with web based services - such as travel information - via their mobile phones. Existing partners include Whereis Maps, Connex and Flight Centre.

“Victoria Online is already the easiest way to find local, state and federal government information and services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Ms Thomson said.

“With Telstra’s i-mode service, if you need to contact the government in any way while you are away from your computer, the information will be available at your fingertips via your mobile phone.

“It is also part of our strategy to deliver government information to Victorians in a variety of innovative ways as technology becomes available.”

Ms Thomson said the Victorian Government is the only Australian government to have information available on i-mode.

“The Bracks Government is committed to using the latest technology to make its information and services available to the community and I encourage other governments to do the same.” Ms Thomson said.

“Victoria Online is the online entry point to information on everything from arts and entertainment, to legal services, to paying council rates online. It’s confidential, totally secure and the fastest way to find whatever government information you are searching for.”