Australia consulting on open government plan

The federal government will this week meet with organisations and individuals interested in providing feedback into how to improve government transparency, open government, citizen participation and technological innovation.

The government is holding a series of information sessions in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra for stakeholders seeking to joint the Australian Open Government Partnership Network.

Australia announced an intention to join the international Open Government Partnership in 2013, but has not yet progressed its application.

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has now released a plan to finalise its membership by July 2016, which will require working with citizens and organisations on a two-year plan of commitments for open government reform.

Committee chair and former Queensland Integrity Commissioner David Solomon said since Australia was invited to join the partnership in September 2011, 69 countries have completed or commenced the process of completing membership requirements.

“Australia has stood to the side while reformers elsewhere identified and acted upon plans to improve government and government engagement with the public. We look forward to working with government now to catch up,” he said.

“Democracy is a defining feature of good government. Listening, discussing and taking on board the thoughts and ideas of the citizenry is a vital element in making democracy work.”

Image courtesy of Open Government Partnership under CC