Aussies named global e-Gov leaders

The World eDemocracy Forum this week named Canberra Senator Kate Lundy and Department of Health director Craig Thomler as two of the 10 most influential e-government leaders in the world.

Fourteen activists, politicians and publishers were shortlisted for the "Top 10 Who Are Changing the World of Internet and Politics" awards, which would be presented in Paris next month.

Both Lundy and Thomler interacted with Australia's Gov 2.0 Taskforce, whose recommendations were accepted by the Federal Government this year.

Thomler was recognised by the Forum for his eGovernment blog, which was separate from his role at the Department of Health.

On 16 July, the Government declared itself "committed to open government based on a culture of engagement, built on better access to and use of government-held information, and sustained by the innovative use of technology".

Lundy said being recognised in the global Top 10 list inspired her to continue promoting "a more open, transparent, participatory and engaging model of government".

She was appointed Parliamentary Secretary of Immigration and Citizenship and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister in Gillard's new Ministry on Saturday.

"To have three Australians make the shortlist and two be selected for the top 10 is a reflection of the commitment and innovation that Australia has to offer the world, particularly in this space," Lundy said.

Israeli minister Michael Eitan, publisher Tim O'Reilly and Senator Online founder Berge Der Sarkissian were among 14 shortlisted for the award, which would be presented in Paris next month.

Senator Online claimed to be Australia's "first and online internet-based political party", with no policies or official stance besides the promise to act in accordance with online voters on major issues.

The party attracted almost 16,000 votes in the 2010 Federal Election, for which it had a campaign budget of "tens of thousands of dollars".