E-Government Engagement and the Digital Divide

Julie Freeman

    Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper connects e-government and digital divide literature to facilitate greater understanding of online civic engagement in Australia. Strong parallels exist between the four dimensions of the digital divide – access, skills, content, and impact – and the ways egovernment policy and practice shape citizen participation. Australian e-government initiatives at the federal and local level are outlined to highlight the types of citizen involvement they permit. This paper suggests that governments often equate improved information access and service delivery with online civic engagement, overlooking the importance of two-way participatory practices. If e-government is to advance to facilitate online civic engagement, greater emphasis must be placed on the capacity of citizens to contribute to, and influence, decision-making.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationCeDEM Asia 2012: Proceedings of the International Conference for E-Democracy Open Government: Social and Mobile Media for Governance
    EditorsMarko M Skoric, Michael Sachs, Peter Parycek
    Place of PublicationAustria
    PublisherEdition Donau-Universitat Krems
    Pages19-30
    Number of pages12
    Volume1
    ISBN (Print)9783902505262
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    EventCeDEM Asia 2012-Conference for E-Democracy & Open Government: Social & Mobile Media for Governance - , Singapore
    Duration: 14 Nov 201215 Nov 2012

    Conference

    ConferenceCeDEM Asia 2012-Conference for E-Democracy & Open Government: Social & Mobile Media for Governance
    Country/TerritorySingapore
    Period14/11/1215/11/12

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