Home News The Internet and its influence on Australian society

The Internet and its influence on Australian society

Posted by Helen Hollins on 18 May 2015

The Australian Internet Governance Forum (auIGF) launches its 2015 program today, and it is the most ambitious one yet. 


Internet governance still remains at the heart of the auIGF, but this year its focus will widen, with participants from the tech and online community asked to consider how the Internet is transforming Australian society, for better or worse.

Expert speakers will join plenary sessions covering a range of stimulating topics, including:

  • Gender and the Internet: respected journalist Tracey Spicer and Director of Public Policy at Twitter (Australia & SE Asia) Julie Inman-Grant will be amongst a panel discussing online harassment and the lack of women in the tech industry, and what can be done to redress the balance
  • Internet and indigenous communities: indigenous advocate Michael Rome, from NCIE – Indigenous Digital Excellence, will lead a panel discussing how Internet inclusivity can facilitate social, economic and cultural development within indigenous communities
  • Internet and the law: journalist Ben Grubb will join a panel of industry experts discussing what is probably the most hotly-debated topic in the past 12 months, assessing how the new data retention legislation will work, and about the pursuit of his own personal metadata
  • Internet, innovation and the third sector: panellists including Associate Professor Jane Burns (Founder and CEO of the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre) and Hello Sunday Morning’s Chris Raine will discuss how we can use the Internet to benefit those in society with the greatest need.


Hosted by auDA (.au Domain Administration Ltd), the auIGF will be held at the Park Hyatt, Melbourne, on 6 and 7 October. It provides a forum for all Internet users – individuals, community groups, industry leaders, government representatives, academics, students and media – to discuss and debate Internet-related issues.

CEO of auDA, Chris Disspain, feels very strongly about the importance of the auIGF and auDA’s role in facilitating the event: "The auIGF provides a platform for meaningful debate and exchange of ideas in a fast moving and vibrant industry; the growth of which plays a critical role in shaping the economic future of Australia."

For a full event schedule and to register, go to www.igf.org.au

Media Contact:
Helen Hollins
General Manager, Communications
Ph: +61 3 8341 4111
helen.hollins@auda.org.au