3rd July 2018
In a submission by members of the network on the draft second national action plan, they highlight: Limited public engagement-an ongoing problem since Australia’s open government journey commenced in November 2015. The absence of visible public ministerial leadership, support and advocacy for the open government cause is a significant factor contributing to the low level…
3rd June 2018
The Network Steering Committee is concerned about the absence of ministerial engagement with the OGP process, and wrote to the minister responsible for co-ordination Senator Cormann, Minister for Finance and Special Minister of State on 16 May. Apart from an acknowledgement we are yet to receive a response. Dear Minister, We write on behalf of…
24th May 2018
An extract from the Finance and Public Administration Committee hearing on Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet 22 May is reproduced below Senator Stoker (LNP Qld) new on the scene as replacement for Senator Brandis shows welcome interest in the OGP. Senator McAllister (Labor NSW) raised questions about OGP in a previous Estimates round and…
16th May 2018
The current (global) OGP Civil Society Steering Committee selection process to fill vacancies is in the final stages. A public webinar with shortlisted candidates is scheduled for Wednesday 16 May at 3pm CET / 9am EST-12 midnight Australian Eastern Standard time This is an opportunity to hear from the candidates directly about their motivation and…
11th May 2018
The Australian OGP Update Webinar recorded this morning is now available on Facebook: Shreya Basu, OGP Support Unit, from Singapore, Daniel Stewart on his independent report on Australia’s progress with the first national action plan, Peter Timmins with an overview on where things stand at present, Damian Carmichael from Industry, Innovation and Science on Australia’s…
7th May 2018
Mel Flanagan, a strong campaigner for open government, has arranged an open gov week social gathering next Friday 11 May, 5pm – 9pm, at the Dove and Olive Hotel 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills in Sydney. The Network supports the event: From Mel: “We’d love you to join us ! Please spread the word with…
7th May 2018
To celebrate global Open Gov Week 2018 and with tremendous help from Mel Flanagan and the team at Nook Studios, we are hosting a webinar on Friday 11 May with members of the open government community in Australia. You can join the conversation at our webinar. We’ll be discussing Australia’s Open Government Partnership commitment progress…
3rd May 2018
The top 10 Press Freedom issues in a survey of journalists and the public by the MEAA and published on World Press Freedom Day-along with the annual report this year with a chilling title- Criminalising Journalism: From the MEAA “Press freedom in Australia has deteriorated over the past decade according to a survey of more…
3rd May 2018
MEDIA RELEASE | 3 May 2018 Press Council awards 2018 Press Freedom Medals The Australian Press Council has awarded Press Freedom Medals to two outstanding individuals for their major contributions to furthering the causes of free speech and freedom of the press. Peter Greste One of Australia’s most respected and experienced foreign correspondents, a…
27th April 2018
These comments by the Steering Committee were submitted to the OGP Independent Review on 24 April. “The Steering Committee welcomes publication of the mid term report . Daniel Stewart has made a valuable contribution in tracing the development of the plan and the implementation of commitments to date. Throughout we found him interested in civil…