Earlier this week the UN released a report with the results of the Human Development Index. In short, it ranks countries as the best place to live. Australia came in behind Norway as having the second highest quality of life in the world. It was a world wide news story and reported in countries including USA, UK, Korea, Canada, Ireland and India.

If I’m a non-Aussie hearing this, I’m thinking Australia sounds like a pretty cool place. Even though I might not want to live there it might be worth checking out.

You’d think Tourism Australia would be all over it right? Unfortunately, they’re not. If you go to their websites here and here, you won’t see any news or commentary on the Index. Likewise, if you follow their tweets or are a Facebook fan there are no proddings for topical conversation.

These are the easy pickings! This is the kind of news that social media savvy companies would froth over and squeeze the life out of. Imagine the fun that you could have with this. After all, Norway is known for getting dark in the middle of the day, is home to Bergen who have the highest rainfall in the whole world and is responsible for winning Eurovision this year (thanks Stan). As a nation of piss takers, surely there’s a viral video or recount petition in that? That’s one idea out of a pile of potential ideas which could be executed quickly and cheaply to maximise this exposure.

Sure, it won’t involving an Oscar nominated director, a scantily clad model in cricket gear or majestic fly overs of the Australian landscape. But it will be relevant, timely, cost effective and most importantly, engaging for our audience. That’s a winner isn’t it?

Related posts:

1. There are 2.4 Million ‘Nonlines’ in Australia
2. Connecting with your audience through social networks. Have you already missed the boat?
3. Australia not ready for online voting