NSW Information Commissioner Issues Information Access Guideline 7: Open Data
The NSW Information Commissioner, Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) CEO and Open Data Advocate, Ms Elizabeth Tydd, today issued the Information Access Guideline 7: Open Data.
“A firm principle of modern government is that it should use its extraordinary asset – information – for democratic, economic and social advancement. For such advancement, information has value if it is used. Unlike other resources, its value increases the more it is used.
“Information sharing is most effectively done in the modern age through technological channels, such as websites and data bases. Open data enables governments to be transparent, collaborative and innovative.
“The theme of Information Awareness Month 2019 is Innovation with Information and the launch of this guideline promotes the power of open data to enable innovation.
“Within NSW there is a well-established and operative legislative mandate to open government information, including data. That mandate, coupled with a leadership culture that promotes openness and responsible stewardship of information, is crucial to harnessing the benefits of opening data. Decision makers play a vital role in upholding the rights of New South Wales citizens. In an increasingly digital environment the application of this guidance by agencies will support those rights and importantly promote opening government to citizens.
“Using information to deliver community benefits involves appropriate and respectful sharing – with our citizens, within government, with other governments, and with business and the community” said Ms Tydd.
The guideline is issued by the Information Commissioner under section 12(3) of the GIPA Act. The Commissioner may issue guidelines for the assistance of NSW Government agencies about public interest considerations in favour of the disclosure of information. This guideline provides information and assistance to public sector agencies and citizens regarding open data including the definition of open data, and opening data or release of government data using the access to information pathways under the GIPA Act.
The Information Commissioner welcomes ongoing discussion with government, business and the community about the development of open data practices in NSW Government.
The Information Access Guideline 7: Open Data is now available on the IPC website.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
IPC media team on 0435 961 691 or email communications@ipc.nsw.gov.au
About the NSW Information Commissioner
The NSW Information Commissioner’s statutory role includes promoting public awareness and understanding of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act); providing information, advice, assistance and training to agencies and the public; dealing with complaints about agencies; investigating agencies’ systems, policies and practices; and reporting on compliance with the GIPA Act.
About the Information and Privacy Commission NSW
The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) is a separate agency. It supports the functions of the Information Commissioner and the Privacy Commissioner in respect of privacy and information access laws in NSW. For further information about the IPC visit our website at www.ipc.nsw.gov.au
