Changing the World with Gov 2.0
#GovChat with Craig Thomler
May 2nd, 2012

@thomkearney: Welcome to #GovChat Thanks for joining us this evening! Our guest is @craigthomler from Australia.

@thomkearney: Our goal at #GovChat is to stimulate conversations with thought leaders on how we can work together to make governments better.

@thomkearney: As we add them, the schedule for future chats and transcripts will be available for you at http://t.co/TCSvMXPg #govchat

@thomkearney: To chat, simply use the hashtag #GovChat to be included in the chat.

@thomkearney: Our topic this evening will be changing the world with Gov20 #GovChat

@thomkearney: @craigthomler is one of Australia's leading social media and Government 2.0 advocates and practitioners. #govchat

@rebecca_blake: @FCTweedie lurkers for the #win! :) #GovChat

@thomkearney: @rebecca_blake @fctweedie nice to see you guys here. #GovChat

@thomkearney: Craig has a Marketing degree and over 15 years experience in the online sector as an entrepreneur and communications specialist #govchat

@DelibJake: Delib Australia Managing Director the guest on #GovChat this week http://t.co/zqIQ29Ti

@mirgray: @craigthomler Looking forward to what you will share in #govchat

@thomkearney: In 2009 Craig was awarded the inaugural Gov 2.0 Individual Innovator Award by the Australian Government's Gov 2.0 Taskforce #govchat

@thomkearney: In 2010 Craig was named one of 'The Top 10 Changing the World of Internet & Politics' by PoliticsOnline & World eDemocracy Forum #govchat

@rebecca_blake: @thomkearney thank you for being a great host as always :) #GovChat

@thomkearney: He is Mng Dir of Delib Australia (http://t.co/uNNXHxhF) & recently stepping out of the Australian Public Service after 5 years #govchat

@craigthomler: @mirgray thanks & welcome your questions :) #govchat #GovChat

@thomkearney: @craigthomler presents in Australia and internationally on new media strategy & practice & blogs at http://t.co/7WDh9eif #govchat

@thomkearney: To get things rolling I have a few questions for @craigthomler on tonite’s topic of changing the world with Gov20 #GovChat

@thomkearney: And of course, tweetchats are meant to be interactive, so feel free to intersperse your ideas & opinions on our topic #GovChat

@thomkearney: OK, first question for you @craigthomler #govchat

@thomkearney: Can you give us a bit of an update on how the Australian Government has delivered on its Gov2.0 commitments? #GovChat

@craigthomler: Based on the gov’s response to the Gov 2.0 taskforce, two years ago, they have almost fully delivered on the commitments. #govchat #GovChat

@craigthomler: I’ve analysed what has been achieved in a post in my blog: http://t.co/v0dq44ma #govchat

@craigthomler: However this has just been a start - there’s a lot of work still required to build the government’s Gov 2.0 capabilities #govchat

@craigthomler: Whether there’s an ongoing commitment to Gov 2.0 is yet to be seen. There’s been no Aussie Gov 2.0 political leadership for 2 years #govchat

@mirgray: @craigthomler Perhaps you can speak later about engaging to sustain momentum? #govchat

@thomkearney: We are hoping for questions as we proceed with #GovChat so don't be shy. The topic is changing the world with #Gov20. Guest @craigthomler

@trib: @craigthomler why do you say that? Australian delivery is minimal at best - in word but not in spirit. Could have been much more. #govchat

@craigthomler: @mirgray certainly can! Becomes very tricky if the political arm of Gov sees Gov 2.0 as a partisan commitment #govchat #GovChat

@trib: @craigthomler Lack of leadership and literalist bureaucratic approach has cruelled #gov2au at strategic level. #govchat

@trib: @craigthomler so, best examples have been isolated projects where teams were allowed at agency level. #govchat

@craigthomler: @trib I agree Aussie Gov 2.0 delivery could've been more.However according to what the Gov committed to, they've delivered #govchat #GovChat

@craigthomler: @trib The question therefore needs to be directed to politicians, not public service. Why wasn't the commitment greater? #govchat #GovChat

@trib: @craigthomler I read it differently. But I'm reading the spirit of the commitments, not the literal words. They copped out. #govchat

@allisonhornery: @trib Seems to match emerging trend we're seeing that #gov20 is sthg you can tick + say 'finished' but it's so much more than that #govchat

@mirgray: @craigthomler So is committment growing among the leaders or stagnant? i.e. we haven't move from early adopters to next wave #govchat

@craigthomler: @mirgray In Australia I believe political commitment has gone backwards. There's no clear champion or direction #govchat #GovChat

@craigthomler: @mirgray however at a public service level we've begun the transition to early majority #govchat #GovChat

@thomkearney: @rebecca_blake TY. When is the next mixer? Its been too long! #GovChat #w2p

@craigthomler: @mirgray however this has been at some cost as well. Many of the early adopters have burnt out & left public service #govchat #GovChat

@mirgray: @craigthomler How long is a generation in government? #govchat

@craigthomler: @mirgray highly variable! :) #govchat #GovChat

@FCTweedie: @allisonhornery @trib Agree, #gov20 is a mindset, not a one-off action #govchat

@thomkearney: @mirgray @craigthomler Makes me wonder if there is a #Gov20 Chasm to cross between early adopter and early majority. #GovChat

@craigthomler: Modern work places have digital natives, digital immigrants & pre-digital workers - that's a recipe for enormous conflict! #govchat #GovChat

@trib: @craigthomler do you think? I'd ask why public sector didn't take the lead and try to do the best possible version. #govchat

@FCTweedie: @craigthomler @mirgray Sad to see good ppl losing heart when faced with inertia/ indifference from the top #govchat

@trib: @allisonhornery yep. "We've done #gov20, see, we have a blog (where we post monthly)". No. #govchat

@trib: @FCTweedie +1 cc @allisonhornery #gov20 #govchat

@mirgray: @thomkearney There is a chasm in the adoption of other tech. But the generations do seem shorter. Or I'm getting older. #govchat

@thomkearney: Four generations in the workforce makes for an interesting environment. If we can get along it could lead to some real innovation. #GovChat

@allisonhornery: @craigthomler Do you think our 3 gov spheres also has an impact #GovChat

@craigthomler: @trib that's a broader Q... Do govs resource & mandate Public Services for excellence or minimum viable solution? #GovChat

@mirgray: @craigthomler So what do you recommend for building resiliency into the Gov2.0 systems? #govchat

@thomkearney: @mirgray Yes everything speeds up...cause its all downhill from here! #justkidding #GovChat

@craigthomler: @thomkearney getting along requires support mechanics & goodwill - this is unprecedented in human history, we're learning as we go! #GovChat

@thomkearney: @craigthomler "unprecedented" I like that! #GovChat

@craigthomler: @allisonhornery There's different paces & needs at different gov levels. 1st step is to connect 'like' people to share experience. #GovChat

@craigthomler: @allisonhornery that's a task Gov 2.0 can really assist with! If people let it :) #GovChat

@thomkearney: Anyone think there is a need for different government's to collaborate more between jurisdictions or spheres? /c @ps_leader #GovChat

@craigthomler: @mirgray I think Gov 2.0 proponents can learn a lot from Change Management. Resilience is a function of support systems. #govchat #GovChat

@Omshadiddle: @craigthomler @mirgray from the outside looking in, political efforts to 'control the message' is stifling #gov2au #GovChat

@thomkearney: @craigthomler Love the tag line of your new organization. "A digital democracy company" http://t.co/oYp6MFAC #GovChat

@craigthomler: @mirgray so far Gov 2.0 has tended to exist outside change or project mgmt disciplines. We need to work with our colleagues more #GovChat

@mirgray: @craigthomler I am curious how we avoid the lone ranger syndrome while being early adopters. #govchat

@thomkearney: @Omshadiddle That's a good observation and real point of conflict, as the status quo defends itself... #GovChat

@craigthomler: @thomkearney It's a recognition that 'digital' changes democracy's nature to be more inclusive. Systems & people are catching up :) #GovChat

@allisonhornery: @thomkearney IMO that's an underpinning (non-tech!) principle of #gov20! #GovChat

@TimdeSousa: @thomkearney @ps_leader A unified http://t.co/bES5aYnO site which hosted Federal/ State/Territory datasets would be a good start #govchat

@FCTweedie: @mirgray @craigthomler I'd suggest #gov20 needs to be built into business planning - make it 'normal' #govchat

@craigthomler: @mirgray I think it's a tension that always exists. Anyone introducing change will be treated with suspicion. #GovChat

@craigthomler: @FCTweedie I agree - we need to make Gov 2.0 'business as usual' to the point where people don't realise they are doing it :) #GovChat

@allisonhornery: @FCTweedie Saw a great quote from someone about that recently - "We don't call it #gov20, we call it work" #govchat

@scott_pm: How do we address the culture of the ps that is both risk adverse and so strictly set in its ways and policies? #govchat

@scott_pm: @FCTweedie @craigthomler @mirgray To become normal, ppl have to see value in #gov20. To do that, it has to be how we do business #govchat

@TimdeSousa: @craigthomler That kind of conflict can be mitigated by good design, clear and user-friendly policy, and proper training for staff #govchat

@thomkearney: @scott_pm I believe that culture change happens one conversation at a time...until a tipping point is reached. #GovChat

@craigthomler: @Omshadiddle trad. media relationship with gov means gov wants message control for self-defense. Takes time to wash through system. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @craigthomler @mirgray For good reason too. How many "new" things introduced fail for one reason or another? #govchat

@FCTweedie: @allisonhornery @craigthomler We can dream... #govchat

@craigthomler: @scott_pm with time :) Gov 2.0 proponents have to balance their feeling of urgency with the public service's desire for stability #GovChat

@scott_pm: @thomkearney I agree. We also need to integrate #gov20 systems into our normal work. So seamless you don't know you're using it #govchat

@thomkearney: @craigthomler @FCTweedie Anyone remember e-business? eventually just became business. #GovChat

@FCTweedie: @scott_pm Are you saying the problem is cyclical? #govchat

@trib: @craigthomler I reckon excellence should be an imperative. But I'm picky. ;) #GovChat

@craigthomler: We're in a historic period of enormous instability & change. It's important to respect that people want solid ground for their feet #GovChat

@scott_pm: @craigthomler Don't you get the feeling the world will be at augmented reality or web 3.0 while gov't is just getting used to 2.0 #govchat

@TimdeSousa: @scott_pm IMO, strong executive leadership is the way to to change PS cultural attitudes. Agencies are often strongly hierarchical #govchat

@craigthomler: @trib that you are! Excellence is in the eye of the 'buyer'. Ultimately the citizen/customer decides what excellence means. #GovChat

@jkonga: @TimdeSousa @thomkearney @PS_leader A platform to facilitate all level of #Opengov collaboration & federated #OpenData #govchat

@scott_pm: @FCTweedie I wouldn't be surprised. Those with more years under their belt can confirm but this happens with every new tech #govchat

@craigthomler: @scott_pm heck - Gov hasn't even gotten Gov 1.0 right anywhere in the world. Gov 2.0 is already a reach for excellence (in one way) #GovChat

@scott_pm: @TimdeSousa Mileage may vary but senior mgmt isn't too keen on web 2.0. Maybe it's a failure of our community to not inform better #govchat

@FCTweedie: @craigthomler @trib Do you think current mistrust of politics is undermining #gov20? Ppl disengaging from all things govt? #govchat

@craigthomler: It is cyclic. Not just in gov, across society. Thought leaders emerge, challenge the order & suffer. But society finally follows. #GovChat

@thomkearney: @timdesousa @scott_pm How can we reward leaders who facilitate positive change? Make it something others feel they have to do. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @craigthomler I always tell doubters that we don't have to get it "perfect" we just need "good enough". We can learn as we go #govchat

@craigthomler: Gov 2.0 is revolutionary but not special - every leap requires daring a chasm, and some fail to make it across. #GovChat

@TimdeSousa: @scott_pm In my experience, exec. attitudes vary widely. Of course, money and resourcing is often cited as an impediment to #Gov20 #govchat

@craigthomler: @FCTweedie I do think mistrust in gov is undermining Gov 2.0 - and much else that gov is trying to achieve. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @thomkearney @timdesousa We don't even have good reward systems for regular ps. My reward is the same for doing 110% as 80%. #govchat

@craigthomler: @FCTweedie also, I think historians will attribute much of the distrust to the rise of the internet. It is socially disruptive. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @thomkearney @timdesousa Self motivation is the only thing keeping me going. Others might not get the same mileage. #govchat

@FCTweedie: @scott_pm Perfectionism + risk aversion are major killers. Would love to see more of that approach! #govchat

@craigthomler: @TimdeSousa money & resourcing are barriers to all activities. However if something is perceived as important, these barriers fade #GovChat

@scott_pm: @FCTweedie @craigthomler @trib I think ppl want to influence the govt more and for the gov to be open. Mistrust can be overcome #govchat

@thomkearney: @fctweedie The trust issue leaders sometimes respond by limiting information when perhaps transparency would build trust. #GovChat

@linhitch: RT “@thomkearney: @craigthomler @FCTweedie Anyone remember e-business? eventually just became business. #GovChat” #yam

@jkonga: @craigthomler Australia was heralded for its #Gov20 report. What's next for Gov3.0 that we should be collaborating on globally? #Govchat

@scott_pm: @TimdeSousa It's also natural distrust of something that changes "proven" systems and flattens hierarchies. #govchat

@craigthomler: @TimdeSousa as Gov 2.0 practitioners we must illustrate why it is crucial for gov goals. If it isn't we should focus elsewhere. #GovChat

@FCTweedie: @craigthomler Interesting, internet brings so much potential but causes so much anxiety. Much to think about... #govchat

@craigthomler: @linhitch And we used to 'talk' to people in person. 'Talk' now means a phone call or even an email. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @FCTweedie It's hard to convince someone that some missteps are not the end of the world. You can't innovate without risk #govchat

@TimdeSousa: @craigthomler There is an argument to be made that #Gov20, particularly #OpenGov, can be cost effective, e.g. http://t.co/7Qpn1KiN #GovChat

@craigthomler: @jkonga I think the Open Government Partnership is one of the most promising global initiatives to support moving forward. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @thomkearney @fctweedie Transparency can also embarrass or get you in trouble. A culture of accepting fault and making mistakes #govchat

@craigthomler: @jkonga noting Australia is not a member of the Open Government Partnership. I believe we dropped that ball. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @TimdeSousa @craigthomler And despite this senior mgmt is hesitant. Usual stuff not everyone uses it, tendency to favour usual ways #govchat

@craigthomler: @scott_pm Accepting fault makes lawyers very unhappy or very happy (depending on brief). Litigious societies struggle with change. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @craigthomler @jkonga One thing to join open government partnership. Another to meet commitments and make progress. #govchat

@craigthomler: @TimdeSousa cost-savings of internet vs traditional media are a big support for Gov 2.0. Need to balance it against resourcing #GovChat

@mirgray: @craigthomler Sure. but we live in a time of disruption. Trailing is also risky. #govchat

@scott_pm: @craigthomler In the web 2.0 world you can't control the msg, your mistakes will be exposed, and you will be embarrassed. #govchat

@scott_pm: @craigthomler Sooner we recognize this, the sooner we can embrace open government. #govchat

@craigthomler: @TimdeSousa I see that we missed the opportunity to be a leader / founder of the group. Australia is punching below its weight #GovChat

@scott_pm: @craigthomler @TimdeSousa Oddly, senior mgmt see web 2.0 as where the teenagers go so unwilling to dedicate human resources to it. #govchat

@jkonga: @craigthomler Surprising but lots of the #OGP plans were pretty light so Australia can still jump in with something substantial #Govchat

@craigthomler: @scott_pm which really scares many people, who fear taking responsibility for mistakes. #GovChat

@mirgray: @scott_pm But also there will be some many mistakes for people to notice that the news / attention cycle is short. #govchat

@craigthomler: @scott_pm that's a generational issue that will wash through with time. We have to outlive them! :) #GovChat

@craigthomler: The Baby Boomers, who started revolutions in the 60s are now the establishment. Beware repeating the pattern! #GovChat

@TimdeSousa: @craigthomler I agree - it sometimes seems like #OpenGov is comparatively low on the political priorities list #GovChat

@mirgray: @scott_pm Don't today's teenagers become tomorrow's employees? #govchat

@craigthomler: Anyhoo - back to Gov 2.0 specifically... In Australia we're struggling with preserving the successes past political changes #GovChat

@mirgray: @craigthomler Is a failure to provide gov2.0 tools / culture a recruitment / retention issue on the radar of gov HR folks yet? #govchat

@scott_pm: @craigthomler I feel that our kids will be having this talk when we become senior mgmt and refuse their new tech #govchat

@FCTweedie: @scott_pm @craigthomler @TimdeSousa Or if they do, the result is selfconscious and awkward #govchat

@mirgray: @craigthomler So revolutions skip a generation? #nevermytime #govchat

@craigthomler: @mirgray It is starting to become an issue for Gov HR folk in Australia due to skills crisis. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @mirgray But it takes a lot to ask a ps working 25 or 30 years to change how they do things. Sell it to them "what's in it for me" #govchat

@mirgray: Any comments about the Canadian scene? [Not a good time to ask I know] #govchat

@TimdeSousa: @craigthomler @scott_pm I don't accept that we must simply wait. We must out*reason* them. Plenty of evidence to prove the point #GovChat

@scott_pm: @mirgray @craigthomler From what I can see no. We hire for the job and we can find many willing candidates esp with bad economy #govchat

@craigthomler: I've seen, and spoken to people, who are finding some politicians see Gov 2.0 as partisan policy - making continuity hard. #GovChat

@craigthomler: @mirgray I don't know enough to comment :) #GovChat

@mirgray: @craigthomler How do you answer the "what's in it for me" question? #govchat

@craigthomler: @scott_pm yes - high unemployment tends to reduce innovation in HR. Whereas low unemployment should increase it :) #GovChat

@craigthomler: @mirgray First must know the motivations of 'me' - better public services, prestige, promotion. Then customise message accordingly #GovChat

@bhaven: @thomkearney TY for #govchat. Just stumbled across it. started during my drive home from ps job in Calif.

@craigthomler: @mirgray for good public policy, Gov 2.0 allows broader & deeper engagement of the public. For promotion, it offers cost savings. #GovChat

@scott_pm: @TimdeSousa @craigthomler each of us have a duty to keep pushing however we can. We aren't all decision makers but we can influence #govchat

@FCTweedie: @mirgray @craigthomler Getting to talk to fabulous engaged people, of course ;) #govchat

@scott_pm: @mirgray @craigthomler Depends on who you're talking to. But how can web 2.0 make their job easier, faster, better then prove it #govchat

@craigthomler: @bhaven you're welcome :)n #GovChat

@scott_pm: @craigthomler @mirgray They will doubt you. Back it up with evidence, case studies and treat like a sales pitch #govchat

@craigthomler: @scott_pm examples help! It's important to practice what you preach. Demonstrate the benefits of Gov 2.0, not just tell. #GovChat

@thomkearney: Wow, that hour went by fastnn #GovChat

@thomkearney: We are out of time @craigthomler we have thoroughly enjoyed your insights n #GovChat

@thomkearney: We are out of time @craigthomler we have thoroughly enjoyed your insights #GovChatn #GovChat

@craigthomler: We didn't even get to the second question! Lots of territory as yet uncovered :)n #GovChat

@thomkearney: Be sure to check out the government engagment tools at http://t.co/SltqGtTp #GovChat

@thomkearney: For those of you into inter-jurisdictional stuff check out the "Bigger Picture" at the end of this post. http://t.co/xSzHuvO8 #GovChat

@thomkearney: Join us next week for #GovChat on May 9, at 8:00 pm EST with Canada’s own @dgtweets.

@scott_pm: Thanks @craigthomler for the stimulating chat. Anyone lurking, I highly suggest you follow this man. #govchat

@bhaven: Three-ring binders still where you work? I saw someone 3-hole punching today. It's going slowly to digital. Digital is searchable. #govchat

@thomkearney: Join us next week for #GovChat on May 9, at 8:00 pm EST with Canada’s own @dgtweets. #GovChat

@thomkearney: We will be talking about the differences between Private and Public Sector leadership. #GovChat #GovChat

@thomkearney: Feel free to make suggestions on future guests + topics @PS_Leader and if you are interested in guest hosting let us know. #GovChat

@thomkearney: Thanks to all you #GovChat tweeps for joining us. Have a GREAT night & hope to see you all again next week! #GovChat

@craigthomler: Thanks everyone for the questions!n #GovChat

@mirgray: @bhaven I've just transferred to a place where I can't take electronic notes. I'm re-learning to read my own handwriting. :-) #govchat

@thomkearney: Follow @PS_Leader to keep up with the latest announcements #GovChat SPECIAL guests, topics and news about #GovChat

@FCTweedie: @thomkearney @craigthomler Thanks for a great #govchat

@thomkearney: Remember to also let us know what special guests and topics you would like to discuss on #GovChat. Thank you and good night. #GovChat

@TimdeSousa: Thanks all, it's been interesting #govchat

@mirgray: Thanks so much to @thomkearney for inviting @craigthomler to chat with us. Fascinating to get the Australian viewpoint. #govchat

@thomkearney: @drnewbold @bhaven One of my heros is an exec in the #Goc that replaced 3 ring binders with netbooks and encrypted usb keys. #govChat

@craigthomler: @thomkearney hmm - has anyone tried to hole punch a netbook or USB key? It's not easy ;) #GovChat