E-commerce intensifies

GOVERNMENT focus on improving the communications infrastructure and accompanying services such as e-commerce in Australia’s regions is intensifying, says Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts Richard Alston.

Senator Alston was speaking at the release of E-Australia.com.au: Australia’s e-commerce report card at a recent regional summit.

He said the Wine Industry Network based in the Barossa Valley helped the wine industry share information and widen its market research.

The Australian Automotive Network Exchange reducing disadvantages faced by the auto industry in areas such as training and parts ordering, while banana growers in northern NSW were piloting e-commerce to reduce paperwork and improve the supply chain to fruit markets.