[clug] Open Source Legislation

[Carl Jackson]

Thanks everyone for your help and feed back.

Those that wish to write or phone I suggest you start with ACT Liberal
Senator Gary Humphries Senator.Humphries at aph.gov.au.  Ph. 62476444.
I've met with him, spoken with him on the phone and emailed him many
times on this topic so he's well briefed already.   He is our local
Senator and a member of the government so it will be the best "bang for
buck" - we need to make it clear to him that his voters care about this
issue.  My line with him has been "jobs and wealth for Canberra" -
anything that reinforced that would be particularly useful.   Be aware
that only "moderate" Open Source legislation should be suggested eg. a
requirement that OS alternatives be "considered" in tenders.    Radical
proposals such as manditory OS everywhere will not fly with a
conservative government and could scare Gary off.    It is quite
possible that Gary will become OSs best friend in the Government - he
was very pro-IT in the ACT assembly - he is a cautious man but I am
convinced he can be won over.  And don't forget that Microsoft had a
huge go at Sen. Alston a couple of years ago so the Libs do not see them
as a friend.

I suspect ACT Labor Senator Kate Lundy will announce her support for OS
in some form in the next week or so - but sending her an encouraging
email can't hurt - senator.lundy at aph.gov.au (make sure you mention that
you are a Canberra voter and not just another IT lobbyist from
interstate as she is shadow IT minister and get emails from everywhere)

    If anyone hears about any new US Gov OS initiatives, particularly
from any Republican members (like the one in Oregon) please let me
know - that stuff is useful.

Carl Jackson