MEDIA RELEASE

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ACS Releases "Net Traveller - Exploring the Networked Nation"

Tom Worthington's New Book about Life, the Internet and Everything Now Available Online

Tuesday 27 July 1999 - The Australian Computer Society (ACS), has released the book "Net Traveller - Exploring the Networked Nation", by Tom Worthington, past President of the ACS.

The NSW Minister for IT, Kim Yeadon, will officially launch the book at 12.30pm on Monday 2 August when he addresses the Government Online Forum, chaired by Tom Worthington, at Internet World'99 in Sydney.

Net Traveller is a hi-tech journey through five years with one of Australia's leading Internet exponents. Intended for business people, government policy makers and educators, it includes discussions of Internet policy issues and tips on the use of e-mail. On a lighter note the book recounts Tom's attempts to use the Internet from unusual locations, such as a hot air balloon over Parliament House and the Flagship of the US 7th Fleet.

Senator Kate Lundy, Shadow Minister Assisting the Shadow Minister for Industry and Technology on Information Technology, contributed the Forward for Net Traveller, commenting, "In his eclectic style, Tom Worthington takes us on two hype-free journeys: around the world and around cyberspace.

"He brings a rare blend of technical prowess and commitment to social progression that ensures his commentary offers more than just informed advice on global and virtual navigation. His narrative places the Internet in a comfort zone that offers a rare insight into how this digital medium can genuinely enhance our social experience."

A free on-line edition of the book is available on the web at: http://www.tomw.net.au/nt/

The paper edition, a 150 page A5 paperback, with 32 illustrations, is available from the ACS for $19.95 (plus postage). Royalties from this edition are being donated to the charity, Technical Aid to the Disabled.

The book can also be ordered on-line via the NetTraveller Web site at http://www.tomw.net.au/nt/ which includes publication-quality photos, review, summary and author biography.

The Net Traveller Web site won a bronze logo for reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Financial Review/Telstra Australian Internet Awards 1999 in the Personal Web Page category.

Tom Worthington is a Visiting Fellow in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the Australian National University. He is an electronic business consultant, author and information technology professional. Tom's work since 1994 has been on the policy and practice of implementing the Internet, including appearances before three Senate hearings. He established the first Web home pages for the Defence Department the ACT Government, the Special Broadcasting Service, Australian Information Industry Association and the National Press Club.

In June 1999 Mr Worthington completed a six month assignment with Defence's Y2K team, working on technical issues in planning re-mediation of the Year 2000 problem in Defence information systems. At the end of July he will leave government service to become an independent IT consultant.

The book has been published with the financial support of OzEmail Limited, in the interests of ensuring a shared understanding of the revolution we are promoting through the Internet.

This media release is located on the ACS Web site at http://www.acs.org.au/news/traveler.htm

Review copies of the book are available to the media from the ACS and will be available from the media centre at IW99. Tom will be available for interview at Internet World 99. He is also speaking at the Liberal Party seminar on "The Bush Telegraph for The 21st Century", on 31 July.

ENDS

The Australian Computer Society is the recognised association for information technology (IT) professionals, attracting a large and active membership from all levels of the IT industry and providing a wide range of services to its members. It is the public voice of the IT profession, the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the IT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of IT. See the ACS Home Page for more information.

Media Enquiries:

Tom Worthington, ACS Immediate Past President, Tel: (0419) 496 150, Email: tom.worthington@tomw.net.au

Caroline New, Caroline New PR, Tel: (02) 9980 8060 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au