Information Commissioner publishes Towards a NSW Charter for Public Participation
“I am pleased to announce the publication of the IPC Report: Towards a NSW Charter for Public Participation, which progresses my commitment to promote public participation and assist agencies in achieving success in their engagement with NSW citizens through a six-step process:
- Identify international leading practices
- Consult with citizens and government
- Assess existing public participation mechanisms
- Co-design citizen charter for public participation
- Culturally embed public participation
- Monitor and promote public participation.
Click here to view the report: Towards a NSW Charter for Public Participation
Part 3 section 20 of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) provides that a regulated NSW public sector agency (other than a minister) must have a current Agency Information Guide (AIG) that specifies any arrangements that exist to enable members of the public to participate in the formulation of the agency's policy and the exercise of the agency's functions.
AIGs provide a valuable mechanism to promote currency of information identification and appropriate release which serves to stimulate visibility and accessibility of government information. The value of government information as a strategic asset is realised in the application of that asset.
“Towards a NSW Charter for Public Participation outlines the Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) has done to progress public participation in agency (not ministerial) policy formulation and the exercise of agency functions,” said Ms Tydd.
This report provides:
- the NSW context for public participation and recognises progress to date;
- findings of the desktop monitoring of the AIGs of principal departments;
- insights from the IPC’s trialling of an online consultation platform; and
- a sample of Australian and international resources to support public participation and assist agencies.
The report concludes by setting out the future action that the IPC will take to advance public participation and Open Government.
“The IPC will continue to work closely with agencies to provide assistance to ensure that agencies and citizens realise the benefits of meaningful engagement supported by the GIPA Act,” said Ms Tydd.
“The way forward will see the IPC work collaboratively across the regulated sectors to create a NSW Charter for Public Participation.”
We hope you find this report useful and we welcome your feedback – please contact the IPC via free call 1800 472 679 or email ipcinfo@ipc.nsw.gov.au
