I haven't written much lately (work keeps getting in the way, shocking I know). However I thought I would put down some thoughts on the Gov2.0 Task Force that the government announced at the last Publicsphere event. Particularly how it relates to Local Government.

The Gov2 Taskforce has been given a pretty big job. To look at the process of Government at all levels and see how it can be improved with respect to the concepts behind Gov2.0. By any measure this is a herculean task and I wish them well. However as with all Herculean tasks, there is a risk that smaller details might not get the attention that they deserve. I fear that Local Government may suffer that fate, not through any malicious intent, but purely through the weight of material and information that will be flowing through the task force.

To combat this I have a suggestion.

Why not create a Local Government Gov2 Taskforce in each state? The job of this LGG2TF would be to look at Local Government in their state and act as an advisory group to both the Local Government sector and the Gov2 Taskforce.

In relation to the Federal Gov2 Taskforce, the various LGG2TF's would act as liasons with the Local Government sector. Providing the FG2TF with up to date information about the challenges facing the Local Government sector, current initiatives and so on. On the other hand, the LGG2TF would provide advice to the Local Government sector in their State, on various topics relating to Gov2.0.

I'd suggest the makeup of the LGG2TFs would be something like 75% Local Government people, 25% Outsiders or something similar.

Just a thought, would love to hear what people think.