The ACT Labor Government hosted its much anticipated and discussed virtual community cabinet meeting at lunchtime this Tuesday using the social networking tool Twitter. Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and cabinet ministers engaged in a “fast and furious” online discussion with residents.

An estimated 700 posts were made by 205 participants during the hour-long discussion, with some 90% of tweets being made by 60 odd Canberrans. Tweeps asked questions of Government decisions and made comments about local issues, all within a tight 140 character tweet limit.

Topics covered:

• Transport;
• Town planning;
• Sporting facilities;
• Tourism
• Emergency Services
• and the National Broadband Network in Gungahlin, amongst others.

Courtesy ABC News Online

Feedback

Many Canberrans engaged in the live discussion welcomed the initiative and opportunity to meet online.

JohnS125 tweeted: twitter is a useful mechanism for MLAs to continue staying in touch with views and key issues of their electorate.

And Lamb2Julie said: I enjoy hearing and receiving tweets from Ministers. I feel like I have been listened to.

Despite being relatively new to Twitter, Chief Minister Katy Gallagher ended the discussion by saying: thanks tweeps its been an experience. lots to learn... personally I think it was good. keep in touch.

Ms Gallagher said she is keen for more virtual community cabinet meetings in future given the level of interest, albeit in a slightly different format.

The ACT Government is looking at how they use different social media forums given trends and welcomed ideas and feedback following the trial: the first of its kind in Australia.

References

Chief Minister outlines vision for open government

http://www.chiefminister.act.gov.au/media.php?v=10789

Cabinet tweets through 'fast, furious' meeting

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-26/first-cabinet-twitter-meeting/2810908

Cabinet welcomes tweets

http://citynews.com.au/2011/news/cabinet-welcomes-tweets/

Outcomes from ACT Virtual Community Cabinet

http://egovau.blogspot.com/

What are your thoughts on the virtual community cabinet meeting?