Government agencies have a critical role in creating the conditions for a spatially enabled economy. This role is not glamorous, nor is it one of providing solutions. Instead it is one of enablement.

The public sector has responsibility for the spatial fabric of society - those fundamental datasets upon which all subsequent activity relies. The definition of the geodetic network, the creation and management of the cadastre, DCDB, topographic data, digital terrain elevation data, address data; the establishment and administration of relevant standards; management of land titles; and coordination of spatial activities for emergency management, security and defence purposes.

The timely provision of these building blocks is a key enabler for utilities and other infrastructure agencies and corporations to operate efficiently. Without it, we risk duplication of effort, costly delays and the frustration of seeing opportunities for the application of spatial technology lost. Australia and New Zealand have a unique opportunity with the focus on infrastructure investment as a cornerstone of economic stimulus. It is up to all of us to ensure our future is spatially enabled.