Government Partnership, and to leverage Australia’s regional aid and development programs to achieve open government outcomes. Action: PM&C to make updates to the other components of the National Action Plan. Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, the Hon. Angus Taylor MP Assistant Minister Taylor made opening remarks, noting the importance of the open government agenda, and his enthusiasm in seeing the Open Government Partnership operate as a catalyst for action in his areas of responsibility, including the open data agenda and digital transformation of government. The Assistant Minister also noted that openness and transparency are key tools to achieving better outcomes for all Australians and are also an important economic issue. Ms McLeod noted the broad spectrum of open government issues and the need for aspirational goals. Civil society members highlighted key issues for Australia’s first National Action Plan: Mr Zirnsak raised the opportunities of improving transparency and accountability in the business and corporate sectors to drive social and economic outcomes across Australia, including through measures such as improved corporate whistle-blower laws, a beneficial ownership register, and improving Australia’s compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Ms Adshead led discussions on open data and digital transformation noting the opportunities for open data to facilitate not only private sector innovation but also public sector innovation. Members also discussed the need to build data skills and capability at all levels of government. Mr Timmins raised the importance of reviewing and reforming information access laws and practice to ensure they are appropriate for the 21st century and the digital information age. Ms Szuminska led discussions on improving public participation and engagement within government. Dr Coghill led discussions on enhancing the national integrity system, and improving confidence in the electoral system and political parties. Civil society members also urged Assistant Minister Taylor to support strong Australian representation at the OGP Global Summit in Paris. Morning Wrap-Up Public consultation Timeframes PM&C provided an update on timeframes and next steps, including the proposed timeframes for government approval processes. PM&C noted that the Plan would be released for a minimum of two weeks for public consultation. Consideration of submissions
Government Partnership, and to leverage Australia’s regional aid and development programs to achieve open government outcomes. Action: PM&C to make updates to the other components of the National Action Plan. Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation, the Hon. Angus Taylor MP Assistant Minister Taylor made opening remarks, noting the importance of the open government agenda, and his enthusiasm in seeing the Open Government Partnership operate as a catalyst for action in his areas of responsibility, including the open data agenda and digital transformation of government. The Assistant Minister also noted that openness and transparency are key tools to achieving better outcomes for all Australians and are also an important economic issue. Ms McLeod noted the broad spectrum of open government issues and the need for aspirational goals. Civil society members highlighted key issues for Australia’s first National Action Plan: Mr Zirnsak raised the opportunities of improving transparency and accountability in the business and corporate sectors to drive social and economic outcomes across Australia, including through measures such as improved corporate whistle-blower laws, a beneficial ownership register, and improving Australia’s compliance with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Ms Adshead led discussions on open data and digital transformation noting the opportunities for open data to facilitate not only private sector innovation but also public sector innovation. Members also discussed the need to build data skills and capability at all levels of government. Mr Timmins raised the importance of reviewing and reforming information access laws and practice to ensure they are appropriate for the 21st century and the digital information age. Ms Szuminska led discussions on improving public participation and engagement within government. Dr Coghill led discussions on enhancing the national integrity system, and improving confidence in the electoral system and political parties. Civil society members also urged Assistant Minister Taylor to support strong Australian representation at the OGP Global Summit in Paris. Morning Wrap-Up Public consultation Timeframes PM&C provided an update on timeframes and next steps, including the proposed timeframes for government approval processes. PM&C noted that the Plan would be released for a minimum of two weeks for public consultation. Consideration of submissions
IWG-Workshop-7-October-Minutes.docx