E-Commerce, communities and government- a snapshot of the Australian experience

Abstract. This paper is based on a research study of 12 local government councils in Australia funded by the Victorian e-Commerce Early Movers Assistance Scheme. (VEEM). Multiple cross-case content analyses were used to identify the underpinning themes in the study sample. It was found that the VEEM scheme was successful in raising awareness of e-Commerce within the community, however there is a wide disparity in local government readiness for e-Commerce and community demand for e-Commerce. In order to accelerate the take-up of e-Commerce practices and technologies within communities, the tripartite relationship between State and Local government and the community is considered critical in diffusing e-Commerce. Specifically, the tripartite relationship should support raising awareness of e-commerce, and encouraging adoption of e-commerce. Overview International experience with the information economy indicates that significant benefits fall to early adopters of e-Commerce. In response, the State Government of Victoria (one of six states and two territories in Australia) formulated