It's time to provide feedback on Australia's Open Government Plan

Last week the government released Australia's draft Open Government National Action Plan, a requirement to join the international Open Government Partnership, for community consultation.

Australians have until the 18th November (Edit: extended from 14th based on community feedback) to comment on the plan, at which stage the government intends to move to rapidly endorse it via Cabinet and begin implementation.

The plan is available as a PDF download from the government's Open Government Partnership website (ogpau.govspace.gov.au) as well as in web format (much easier to read) at the civil society Open Government Partnership Network site (opengovernment.org.au).

I've included the 14 commitments proposed below in brief - for more detail click through to the sites. (Edit: thanks to Asher for corrected number).

Transparency and accountability in business

The Government will enhance Australia’s strong reputation for responsible, transparent and accountable business practice. 

• Improve whistle-blower protections in the tax and corporate sectors 
• Beneficial Ownership 
• Natural Resource Transparency

Open data and digital transformation 

The Government will advance our commitments to make government data open by default and to digitally transform government services. 

• Release high-value datasets and enable data-driven innovation
• Build and maintain public trust to address concerns about data sharing
• Digitally transform the delivery of government services

Access to government information  

The Government will improve and modernise the way in which the public accesses government information.  

• Information Management and access laws for the 21st century
• Understand the use of freedom of information
• Improve the discoverability and accessibility of government data and information

Integrity in the public sector  

The Government will improve transparency and integrity in public sector activities to build public confidence and trust in government. 

• Confidence in the electoral system and political parties
• National Integrity Framework
• Open contracting

Public Participation and Engagement

The Government will improve the way the Australian Government consults and engages with the Australian public.

• Delivery of Australia’s Open Government National Action Plan
• Enhance public participation in government decision making