E-parliament: Opening the door

Parliaments around the world are becoming aware that they, and the individual members of the parliament, can use digital technologies to support greater engagement with citizens and their communities. This article reports on communication patterns of the Parliament of Australia and the community, the potential of Web 2.0 to increase engagement and accountability and research with the Australian community and members of the parliament on information needs for a new website implementing interactivity.

Research highlights
► Reviews the importance of access to parliamentary information in Australia.
► Examines changes online needs of citizens and members of the parliament.
► Finds website priorities from heavily used information include contact information for members of the parliament, bills and committees.
► Finds need for greater engagement for citizen participation.
► Analyses issues of emerging citizens need for greater interaction with parliamentary processes.