[LINK] Government gives thumbs down to PDF format

[Marghanita da Cruz]

Ivan Trundle wrote:
> On 06/12/2010, at 9:24 AM, Pilcher, Fred wrote:
> 
>> Kerry wrote:
>>> Tom wrote:
<snip>
> There are inherent deficiencies and constraints in all publishing systems. They often fail to realise the end-user's desires, let alone translate the author's intentions. 
<snip>

This is the crux of the problem. The Government Authors
are still writing for the printed page instead of for electronic
communication.

The standardisation and interoperability achieved in the
internet web has been phenomenal. Adapting business
and social processses to the new paradigm is taking
a little longer.

And to emphasise the point - from an RTF document:
> FOI GUIDELINES 
> REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE OBLIGATIONS
> OF AGENCIES
...
> PURPOSE
> 
> These Guidelines set out agencies’ obligations in relation to:
> decision-making authorisations (section 23);
> making documents available for purchase or inspection (section 9);
> publishing information about functions and documents of agencies (section 8); and
> FOI statistics and reporting (subsection 93(1)).
> 
> Other statutory obligations are covered in FOI Guidelines dealing with procedures, review, transfer and consultations and fees and charges.
> 
...
> Responsibility for publication
> 
> The responsibility for preparation of section 8 materials lies with the Minister responsible for the agency concerned and must be met every 12 months.
> 
> Agencies can decide what information they will publish about their functions to satisfy the informative aspects of section 8.  However, failure to publish the material because of administrative convenience or on aesthetic grounds may expose their Minister to criticism that the Minister failed to comply with the Minister’s statutory obligations.
....
<http://www.dpmc.gov.au/foi/docs/FOI_reporting_disclosure.rtf>

Marghanita
-- 
Marghanita da Cruz
http://ramin.com.au
Tel: 0414-869202