Nailing Jelly to the wall

First published on 13 Sep 23 by TEMPO Institute CANVAS | Volume 1 by TEMPO Institute - Issuu

Some tasks feel unattainable. I imagine this feels particularly true for those in political life, existing in the digital age.

While we all want more digital technology, better and faster, we are quick to find fault in the investments made by our public leaders. The intangible nature of the internet makes the value proposition hard to sell. The justification of public money being spent on expensive and largely invisible technology requires leaders with conviction.

Investments in digital technology within the public sector are challenging; I assess that they are rarely a vote winner. So, just like the jelly, should we stop trying to nail a digital South East Queensland to the wall because it is too hard?

The path of least resistance is ‘oh-so-easy’; however holds little reward. A digital South East Queensland can only be achieved through real collaboration, it must be more than just words and pictures. For digital to become a social and economic force for good, it needs visionary leadership, a champion who can take everyone on the journey, and someone with a clear mandate and capital.

South East Queensland is on the verge of delivering on the promise of many great things. Many bold and brave leaders have come and gone; each has laid crucial foundations to make the South East corner what it is today.

The most complicated challenges still lie ahead, doing more with less while reducing carbon emissions. If this is what we want, the answer is digital technology. We must be brave and bold to accept that significant public investments are not just bridges, swimming pools, fixed roads, or better stadiums.

Right now, many are watching the rollout of the Ultra Low Emission Zone ‘ULEZ’ in London, England. Digital technology to improve the air quality and lower carbon emissions by taxing what you don’t want (high emission cars) and rewarding (not taxing in this case) what you do want. The ULEZ is highly controversial and, just like nailing jelly to the wall, a profound challenge that seems almost impossible.

While I am not suggesting a ULEZ for South East Queensland, I firmly believe we need a new level of political courage to bring social and economic opportunities to this genuinely fabulous part of Australia.

For technology to make a difference and improve your life, we all must be willing to keep nailing the digital jelly to the wall.