New charter to promote public participation

The NSW Information Commissioner and Open Data Advocate, Elizabeth Tydd, yesterday launched the Information and Privacy Commission NSW’s Charter for Public Participation — a guide to assist agencies and promote citizen engagement, which aims to enshrine the centrality of public participation in government agency decision-making.

“The charter is a critical tool to support agencies in realising the benefits of open government and the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act), which I oversee as NSW Information Commissioner,” Tydd said.

Tydd added that the charter provides a practical roadmap for embedding the functions of the GIPA Act into everyday government agency activities, by providing practical information, tools and case studies for agencies across the NSW public sector.

“Genuine collaboration between government agencies and citizens is essential to effectively harness citizens’ ideas, knowledge wisdom and skills in the development and implementation of effective policies and service delivery,” she said.

“Investment in new and effective approaches to public participation will enable agencies to build capacity, develop and sustain partnerships and deliver effective solutions to contemporary policy challenges.

The launch of the charter follows extensive consultation with government agencies, the public and the International Association for Public Participation, and delivers on the commitment made in May 2017 by the Information Commissioner to deliver a Charter for Public Participation to foster citizen-centric engagement across the public sector.

“Government holds information that informs its decision-making, information that should be actively applied to ensure meaningful engagement with citizens and promote a more participatory democracy.

“I encourage all public sector employees to review the charter, which is available on the IPC website,” Tydd said.

Image credit: ©Serg Nvns/Dollar Photo Club

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