I. PURPOSE OF STATEMENT
This joint statement is being made in order to accelerate the development of
e-commerce in both countries and empowerment of individual citizens by:
*providing certainty and building confidence for government, business and
consumers in key areas of e-commerce;
*facilitating progress in key areas, particularly a transparent and
consistent legal framework;
*promoting a dialogue between Australia and the US on e-commerce issues
which will benefit government, business and consumers.
II. POLICY PRINCIPLES
1. The growth of electronic commerce will be led by the private sector, and
its continued development depends on leadership by the private sector in key
areas both domestically and internationally.
2. Competitive market-based solutions to specific issues for the information
economy will promote optimal growth and benefits. Governments should avoid
imposing unnecessary regulations. When regulation is necessary, they should
rely on a "light touch" regulatory environment.
3. Where the market alone will not solve problems, self-regulation gives
maximum control and responsibility to the individual and should be the
preferred approach. In some cases this may need to be facilitated by
legislation to ensure effective arrangements.
4. In light of the global nature of e-commerce, government-based or
industry-based approaches should be coordinated and harmonised domestically
and internationally, as far as possible.
5. Government should actively pursue excellence in the online delivery of
government services and in its dealings with business.
Phil Graham
Queensland University of Technology
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palms/8314/