The Chair of the Network Dr David Solomon wrote to the Prime Minister two weeks ago urging that extra time be taken to develop the required national action plan beyond the due date because of the caretaker period, the election, and the opportunity this would provide to do better than we have so far to partner between government and those outside in co-creating the plan.

As explained by Jack Mahoney of the Open Government Partnership Support Unit this would not create a problem and is almost expected.

While the official submission deadline for submission of national action plans including Australia’s first may be June 30

“some delays are expected and several governments will submit an action plan after the deadline….  A delay could be the result of an election, government reshuffle, difficulty in seeking required approvals, a decision to extend the co-creation process with civil society or a combination of these factors… While delays are not encouraged, the OGP Support Unit realises that on occasion a more flexible approach can result in a stronger final National Action Plan…(G)overnments are not required to seek an extension.  We appreciate it when governments inform of us of any revised timelines and hope that if there is a delay, they will inform and work with civil society in the country…The only effect of late submission within four months of the deadline is that the IRM report will note that the plan was submitted past the June 30 2016 deadline and record the final date of submission. Governments should also note that the final date of an action plan does not change.  If submitting late, governments will also have less time to implement the commitments in the plan…. We encourage both government and civil society in all countries with delays to use any extra time taken to produce a very strong action plan reflective of national priorities on open government.  Treat this delay as an opportunity to agree on a more extensive and inclusive co-creation process, and spend more time learning from the experiences of other countries.