Innovation is Tasmania's future and we cannot let the latest opportunity to improve our information and communications technology sector go past, literally or figuratively.

We should connect to the new data cable that will run past the southern Tasmanian coast.

The ICT industry connects education and training to career paths in Tasmania, offering real opportunities for decent jobs combined with our wonderful quality of life.It is exactly the sort of industry sector that suits Tasmania's natural advantages.

The Abbott Government's metadata retention laws are a step too far, writes Christine Milne

IF you're like me, you'll have had no idea until recently what metadata is and why you should care.

But you should care, a lot.

I've had to bring myself up to speed on the issue because it's at the heart of laws the Federal Government wants to change in its latest "war on terror".

There are a couple of different definitions of metadata but the easiest to understand is information that is collected when you use any telecommunications system.

The Coalition's alternative broadband policy is 'planned obsolescence' on a vast scale, and will deliver a rehashed ALP broadband policy from 2009, the Australian Greens said today.

"The Coalition has finally come out with its first detailed policy, and it's a farce," Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said.

"We need long-term vision, nation-building infrastructure that will meet Australia's needs for future generations, not cheapskate measures that will cost us more later on.

While it is wonderful news to see the National Broadband Network being officially switched on today at Midway Point, it is of grave concern that Tony Abbott wishes to turn it off and condemn us all to slower technology, Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Christine Milne said today.

"The Greens support this vital communications infrastructure because it enables Tasmanians to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the competitive world of business.