The Australian Democrats don't believe that participation in the online global community should be restricted or controlled by multinational software companies. That is why we are encouraging Governments to get behind Open Source software instead of blindly buying proprietary software.
Open and transparent
Supporting open source is an extension of the Democrats role in the senate, championing openness and transparency in Government. We demand greater openness and transparency in the information technology used to collect process and store data on behalf of the public. Even if an organisation is locked into proprietary software, information should still be saved in open document formats.
What the Democrats are doing
Federal legislation requiring Government departments to consider Open Source alternatives when purchasing IT has been introduced by the Democrats in the Senate. Open source has a lower Total Cost of Ownership yet most departments are still caught up in the expensive proprietary upgrade cycle - they are not even required to consider other options.
We also need your help to convince key MPs of the advantages of open source.
I strongly support the passage of legislation to require Government departments to consider open source software and I hope you do too.
Open source software has many advantages:
- software can be improved and customised without breaking the law
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lower total cost of ownership for large organisations
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creates local IT jobs instead of sending money overseas
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cheaper computer access to the global community for families
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free systems to create online community websites
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protects data compatibility for the future by being open and transparent
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supports the principle of open access on which the Internet was founded In most cases open source software would better meet the requirements of Government departments than the well known proprietary software brands. They could also save money by only contracting Web companies that employ open source software.
Government departments are dangerously dependent on proprietary software to the detriment of technological innovation and economic growth.
As a taxpayer and an Internet user, I urge you to review your policy on open source and vote for legislation that will lead to its more widespread use.
Yours sincerely
DEMOCRATS' BREAKTHROUGH ON OPEN SOURCE
Because of successful Democrats legislation, the Australian Capital Territory Government must now consider open source software when purchasing IT. ACT Democrats’ MLA Roslyn Dundas says her successful Bill for open source procurement legislation, is the first of its’ kind in Australia, but other states and territories will follow.
South Australian Democrats’ MLC, Ian GilFillan, pioneered the open source legislative campaign in Australia with a bill in the South Australian Parliament. Unfortunately, the Bill was defeated after fierce lobbying by Overseas-based multinationals.
Learn more about open source software
Most people are unfamiliar with the open source alternatives. These include the Linux operating system, the OpenOffice suite and the Star Office suite from Sun Microsystems. The links below will help you find out more about Open Source:
We need support to continue our campaigns for open source software in a world where the big parties and the big money get together to protect proprietary brands.
