WRITTEN ON December 6th, 2009 BY William Heath AND STORED IN Political engagement, What do we want?

There’s a commentable draft of the Australian Government 2.0 taskforce’s report Engage now online. The central recommendation is:

A Declaration of Open Government by the Australian Government

Accompanying the Government’s announcement of its policy response to this report, the Australian Government should make a Declaration on Open Government, stating that:

* Public sector information is a national resource and that releasing as much of it on as permissive terms as possible will maximise its economic, social value to Australians and reinforce its contribution to a healthy democracy;
* Using technology to increase collaboration in making policy and providing service will help achieve a more consultative, participatory and transparent government;
* Online engagement by public servants involving robust professional discussion, as part of their duties and/or as private citizens, benefits their agencies, their professional development, those with whom they are engaged and the Australian public. This engagement should be enabled and encouraged;
* The fulfilment of the above at all levels of government is integral to the Government’s objectives including public sector reform, innovation and utilising the national investment in broadband to achieve an informed, connected and democratic community.

Looks like they’ve done a powerful job. Great move to be outward looking and seek advice globally. I was meant to help with this but have been utterly supine. Time to make up for it before 16 Dec, which is the comment deadline.