The Open by Design Principles have been released ahead of International Access to Information Day on 28 September, and should be used by government agencies to encourage and authorise the proactive release of information and promote open government.

Citizens throughout Australia experience inconsistent levels of access to valuable and important information from government. This is particularly evident in the differences in proactive release of information between jurisdictions.

The proactive disclosure of government-held information promotes open government and advances our system of representative democracy. The principles are intended to advance integrity in government and provide ready access to information that is important to citizens and the digital economy.

The Open by Design Principles have been informed by citizen surveys that identified information that is important to citizens. The principles recognise that:

• information held by government and public institutions is a public resource
• a culture of transparency within government is everyone’s responsibility
• appropriate, prompt and proactive disclosure of government-held information:
  • informs community
  •  increases participation and enhances decision-making
  • builds trust and confidence
  • improves service delivery
  • is required or permitted by law
  • improves efficiency.

All Australian governments – Commonwealth, state and territory, and local – and public institutions are strongly encouraged to commit to being Open by Design by building a culture of transparency and by prioritising, promoting and resourcing proactive disclosure. In their joint statement, information commissioners and ombudsmen recommend ways that public sector agencies can:

1. Embed a proactive disclosure culture in all public sector agencies and public institutions
2. Implement a best practice Open by Design approach to proactive disclosure
3. Engage with the Australian community in relation to the information that is of most value and interest to them
4. Adopt a customer service approach to the proactive disclosure of information.

Statement of principles to support proactive disclosure of government information developed by all Australian commissioners and ombudsmen:

In the lead up to International Access to Information Day, Australian commissioners and ombudsmen have also released a new consumer video resource to raise awareness of information access rights.

This global event highlights the importance of timely access to information in promoting public scrutiny and participation and allowing individuals and governments to make informed decisions.

SOURCE: AUSTRALIAN DATA PROTECTION AUTHORITY – OIAC