Uncategorised 9th June 2017

Commitment to establish a Multi Stakeholder Forum

by Peter Timmins

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet  has announced details of the establishment of the Open Government Forum and called for civil society nominations by 22 June.

(Commitment 5.1 in Australia’s National Action Plan.)
The Selection Panel to consider nominations and make recommendations to government on appointment will consist of the Co-Chairs of the Interim Working group Steven Kennedy PSM Deputy Secretary Department Prime Minister and Cabinet, Fiona McLeod SC  President of the Law Council of Australia  together with The Hon Murray Kellam AO.

The last mentioned is the government choice of an eminent person for the panel, a person not associated with the OGP process to date.

From a Google search, Mr Kellam was Chief Commissioner of the Integrity Commission in Tasmania for five years to 2015. This award details other commendable involvements and achievements

Civil society members will be appointed to the Forum on the basis of the following selection criteria:
•    their demonstrated support of OGP’s vision and the Open Government Declaration
•    their expertise relevant to the Open Government Partnership, including existing or probable future Australian Open Government commitments
•    their ability to engage broad and diverse community networks
•    their previous experience working with and influencing government
•    the desirability of maintaining some continuity between successive Forums, balanced with the desirability of reaching new communities and reflecting emerging open government priorities.
Please give this serious consideration and encourage others who appear to have strong credentials to do likewise.
This is the opportunity to play an influential role in shaping open government for Australia.