I talked to one of my Senators today.

Senator Gary Humphries is one of two Senators for the Australian Capital Territory. (Australia's six states have 12 each; the Northern Territory also has only two; total 76.)

Gary was re-elected in his own right at the 9 October 2004 election. He had previously been appointed to fill a "casual vacancy". Gary had previously been for a time the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory's Legislative Assembly.

I had contacted his office after the election and suggested that his web page should contain more detail about such things as:
- the people he talks to and the advice he gets,
- links to the Hansard (official record) of his speeches (examples: Question 30AUG04, Question 11AUG04, Petition 11AUG04)
- his 'line' on up-coming legislation.

I pointed out that much of this must be available electronically anyway, so making it available on the web page would make him stand out from other ACT federal politicians. (Bob McMullan MP, Senator Kate Lundy, Annette Ellis MP)

From what he said, I got his attention and Gary is going to look at how this type of publication of his goings-on could fit into his strategy for the web site and his involvement in the community.

I can only suggest!

_____
Peter