States and Territory Ministers agree on benefits of E-Commmerce

2/10/98

A major breakthrough in taking advantage of the opportunities offered by electronic commerce was achieved today by Ministers attending the Australian Procurement and Construction Ministerial Council meeting on the Gold Coast.

States and Territories agreed to support in principle guidelines contained in the Framework for National Co-operation on Electronic Commerce For Procurement, thereby removing the possibility of the rail gauge type problems of earlier this century by pursuing a national approach.

The chair of the APCMC, Hon Mike Board JP MLA, stated: "It significantly reduces both the cost and complexity in participation in E-Commerce, even for the smallest of businesses wanting to sell to Government.

"Today's agreement is historic and opens the door for any business to deal electronically with any other business and reap the economic and accessibility benefits of E-Commerce."

The size of collective Government purchasing would provide an incentive for all businesses to take up the opportunities provided by E-Commerce.

"Use of E-Commerce and Internet trading opens the way for Australian business to become a major player in the global electronic market place," Mr Board said.

"It is particularly relevant to Australia, as it frees us from the traditional tyrannies of distance."

A Ministerial agreement for National Cooperation on Electronic Commerce was signed today by the following ministers: Hon Mike Board JP MLA, State of Western Australia; Hon Roger Hallam MLC, State of Victoria; Hon Ron Dyer MLC, State of New South Wales; Hon Wayne Matthew MP, State of South Australia.

Media contact: Jody Robb 9222 9211