Uncategorised 22nd August 2016

Exciting time for civil society’s best – help improve our democracy

by Peter Timmins

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet last Thursday called for expressions of interest for the non government Co- Chair position and (probably) five non government member positions on the  proposed 12 person Open Government Partnership Interim Working Group. The closing date for nominations is 5pm Wednesday 23 August.
A spokesperson for PM&C told The Mandarin

“We’re excited to bring together experts from civil society and government agencies to deliver a strong and ambitious National Action Plan that will continue Australia’s long and proud history of democracy and open government”

The selection of non government participants is in the hands of the government. Be that as it may, those of us on the outside need to try to ensure we have our best at the table.

We maximise the chances by encouraging our best to nominate.

PM&C has not published criteria for selection beyond requiring nominees to have the time in the next few months and “relevant experience and expertise related to supporting transparency, accountability and open government.” Such experience and expertise is important. So too we expect, is a good understanding of civil society interests and concerns, of government and the way it works, and a capacity to make a contribution to group discussion, assessment and decisions on changes to improve democratic practices.

The Network Steering Committee does not intend to nominate candidates other than for the Co-chair position but urges those who think they fit the bill to step forward.

We are in touch with possible candidates for Co-chair and are still open to suggestions, but the clock is ticking.

As to the intentions of Network Steering Committee members, Chair Dr David Solomon will be overseas for part of the time.

Some members have decided to nominate:

Kat Szuminska, Co founder OpenAustralia Foundation
Dr Johan Lidberg, Senior Lecturer Monash University.

Peter Timmins, Interim Network Convener,

Other committee members , Dr Nicholas Gruen Open Knowledge Foundation Australia, Craig Thomler, Social Media Planner and Digital Specialist, and Jon Lawrence, Electronic Frontiers Australia are considering their position.

While we have concerns about aspects of the Terms of Reference (here) and arrangements for the conduct of business. the recent announcements from government are a big advance on what has gone before.

The Network will continue to push hard for the plan PM&C is talking about:

a “strong and ambitious National Action Plan that will continue Australia’s long and proud history of democracy and open government”

And encourage others to work with us in this cause.

Regardless of who is selected, the resources of the Network which extend to detailed knowledge of Open Government Partnership rules and procedures, extensive background in open, transparent government and a range of useful contacts in Australia and elsewhere will be available to provide assistance if this could be helpful.