What is On Line Focus about?

Have you ever criticised the media because they are full of the news you don't want to hear? Because they only talk to narrow sectional interests, public spokespeople and so-called experts? We have, which is why we started On Line Focus.

Using internet technology and the insights of skilled researchers, interviewers and moderators, On Line Focus talks to Australians all over the country about politics, current affairs and issues. We publish interpretations and summaries of these conversations, as well as making the transcripts available so you can see for yourself what people are saying. The results of this research are then used to inform the public debate, as well as to drive the news agenda of On Line Opinion.

The On Line Focus Project is an integral part of the operations of The National Forum, publisher of On Line Opinion. Our mission is to use the Internet to provide Australians with a platform for their ideas, hopes and aspirations and a way of communicating them to each other, to policy makers, and to politicians.

What has On Line Focus done?

So far, On Line Focus has run three major projects:

1. In conjunction with Griffith University and QUT, a hugely successful Election 2001 research project, which used on-line chat technologies to conduct focus-group research into voter motivations leading up to the Novermber 11 poll.
2. In conjunction with the Brisbane Institute, an e-mail discussion forum to open the prospect of reform of the Australian Labor Party's processes up to a wider public participation than ever before.
3. In conjunction with Springboard Australia, a NSW Election 2003 research project, which using our on-line chat facilities to probe voter motivations leading up to March 22 poll.
4. Another Springboard Australia collaboration - this time on the contest between Simon Crean and Kim Beazley.

How can I get involved?

The National Forum, and its journal On Line Opinion, is a not-for-profit enterprise sponsored by some of Australia's leading institutions. If you want to help with personal or financial assistance, please email the editor. Our office is in Brisbane. If you want to call in and see us contact details are here.

To read On Line Opinion and learn more about our organisation, click here.