http://www.dcita.gov.au/cgi-bin/trap.pl?path=5115 Alston thanks NOIE CEO for important contribution The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston, today announced the resignation of Dr Paul Twomey as CEO of the National Office for the Information Economy. Established by the Prime Minister in 1997, NOIE is the lead Commonwealth agency for information economy issues, including internet and e-commerce policy. Dr Twomey is the founding Chief Executive. 'It is with some sadness that I announce Dr Twomey's resignation. He has done a splendid job in developing policies to further Australia's progress into the information age," said Senator Alston. 'Dr Twomey has been a tireless advocate of the benefits of the internet and e-commerce for Australian business and communities. He has played an important role in the international negotiations and conferences developing the global rules and policies for the internet. His personal diplomacy has helped give Australia a leading voice in these fora. Some of the Government's achievements during Dr Twomey's term at NOIE have included: Establishing a National Strategic Framework for the Information Economy Recognising electronic commerce in law through company law reform, the Electronic Transactions Act and the Digital Copyright Act Establishing a new capital gains tax regime for venture capital and start-up innovation companies Promoting personal data protection through the Privacy (Private Sector) Bill Regulations of online content through the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act Persuading APEC to adopt principles for the fair negotiation of international internet connections Leading a coalition of governments and international organisations to crack down on cybersquatting and establish low-cost online dispute resolution processes Running a nation-wide public awareness program, including the E-Commerce Summit at Parliament House in 1998, Online Australia Year, and 17 summits across regional Australia. Dr Twomey has also resigned from his positions as Special Adviser for Information Economy and Technology and the Government's IT Investment Coordinator. Dr Twomey has been a leading figure in the foundation of the international organisation responsible for the technical administration of the internet - the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). He has informed the Government that he wishes to leave his full-time positions to return to the private sector. In recognition of his key role at ICANN, Senator Alston also announced that the government is appointing Dr Twomey to the part-time role as Australia's Special Representative for ICANN and the Domain Names System. He will continue to serve as the Chair of ICANN's Governmental Advisory Committee.
