Information Technology
Creating a Knowledge Economy through Innovation and Excellence
The body of new knowledge is estimated to double every seven years. United Future will ensure the 'Catching the Knowledge Wave' recently announced by Government is properly resourced and the programme itself enhanced. We will consider expanding the Terms of Reference.
Information technology (IT) includes not just computers but also involves broadcasting, telecommunications, networks and the intelligent microprocessor componentry of machinery such as home appliances and cars. IT will continue to influence all aspects of our daily lives. United Future New Zealand is committed to making full use of current and future technology to enhance the lives of all New Zealanders.
Training in the use of information technology relies on skilled teachers in the education sector and IT industry prepared to play its part in the transfer of expertise in the workplace.
United Future will:
- Support the concept of in-service training for existing teachers and recommend updating the current curricula of colleges of education to emphasise the role of IT in schools
- Establish a closer liaison between tertiary institutions and the IT industry
- Update immigration policies to encourage those with recent and relevant IT expertise to work here, and thus transfer skills to New Zealanders
- Actively support IT research and development by promoting an appropriate taxation and depreciation regime, which can quickly adapt in line with technological changes
- Prioritise the implementation of the current Government's E-commerce Strategy
- Insist that government agencies maintain high ethical standards in their dealings with IT vendors
- Encourage public sector chief executives to approve spending on IT projects focusing on successful outcomes rather than just the purchase of product
- Approve the State Services Commission as the appropriate monitor of activity in this area
- Actively promote the greater use of information and communications technology
- Encourage the use of software packages to prevent children being exposed to undesirable material via the Internet
- Promote the World Trade Organisation as the vehicle within which to debate internet safety issues
- Foster international co-operation to deal with the problem of illicit internet material.
- Work to update international copyright laws to reflect the impact of IT
- Support the IT industry in educating the community about the importance of copyright
- Ensure that the Privacy Act correctly recognises the use of electronic information
- Ensure that the use of electronic information sharing between government agencies is solely to prevent fraud or other criminal activity
- Increase investment in research and development, including the option of tax deductability for research and development
United Future Parliamentary Office: Bowen House, Lambton Quay, Wellington
Email: Phone: (04) 471 9890
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