When the benefits of the internet became apparent more than a decade ago, some conscientious consumers were reluctant to get connected. They feared it would divide the nation between those who could afford to own a computer and those who could not. Fortunately computer and internet connection prices tumbled and most Australians have some form of access.
Now the 'digital divide' is determined by speed of access. Any internet connection will allow us to send and receive email, browse the web, and do a certain amount of social networking. But a fast broadband connection allows us to do much more than simply browse the web at a fast pace, or watch high definition movies. It has health and education benefits that can save lives and give us access to world class education resources. It offers vast improvements in business productivity. In all, it adds up to a quantum leap in personal and economic wellbeing.
These days, references to the digital divide in Australia usually refer to geography. Those in rural locations are the ones who are disadvantaged, and they will remain so until there is large-scale investment in infrastructure such as Labor's National Broadband Network (NBN). A network such as the NBN depends upon public funding because it does not make sense for business, which needs to turn a profit. The geography of Australia is such that the building of roads or any communications infrastructure depends upon public expenditure that will never be recouped. It is about nation building, rather than profit and loss, and that is the task of governments.
Broadband policy is the only major point of difference between Labor and the Coalition in the lead up to this Saturday's federal election. Therefore it is natural that voters should think carefully about it before they head to the polling booth. Labor is proposing the NBN as a vital part of its vision to equip the nation for the future. The Coalition believes a minimalist approach will be enough to satisfy the majority of voters.
In an ideal world, an election campaign should prepare voters to cast their vote in accordance with their particular values. Regrettably this campaign has been notable for its negativity and distractions. The media usually determines the agenda of the campaign, and is therefore responsible for much of its negativity.
But individual journalists have nevertheless been successful in revealing some essential truths about the prospective leaders. Tony Abbott told