Published 27 May 2024
National Archives of Australia and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) have joined together to mark Open Government Week and to champion best practice in government information creation, management, protection, use and access.
Open government is essential for a participative democracy. A key pillar of open government is that everyone can access relevant, usable, authentic and timely information about government processes and decisions that impact their lives.
Changes in the environment have elevated government information as a source of truth for the community. In a time where the digital space is rife with mis- and dis-information and where data is generated at an unprecedented rate, the community is increasingly looking to trustworthy information to guide them on important matters – that is, information and records with integrity.
There has also been a considerable increase in the use of technology, such as artificial intelligence and encryption. And while these technologies present many opportunities and benefits, their potential consequences for Australians seeking to exercise their right to access government information must be considered and managed. Information management obligations do not cease as government embraces new ways of improving service delivery. Advances in technology have made it essential that openness, transparency, accountability and integrity are maintained.
Proper standards of government information management, creation, protection and access are essential to building trust – in information and in government more broadly.
National Archives and the OAIC are calling on all of government to take a proactive approach to information management. Government information is a strategic asset ready to be harnessed, by both agencies and the community we serve.
Signed
Agency | Signatory |
|---|---|
National Archives of Australia | Simon Froude, Director-General |
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner | Elizabeth Tydd, Acting Australian Information Commissioner and Freedom of Information Commissioner |
Background
Held from 27 to 31 May 2024, the Open Government Partnership’s Open Government Week is an international event focused on promoting open, participatory, inclusive and accountable government initiatives.
As the agency responsible for collecting, managing, preserving and providing access to Australian Government records, the National Archives plays a central role in making evidence of government decisions and actions accessible to all members of the community.
The OAIC is a key integrity agency dedicated to managing government-held information as a national resource, with responsibility for promoting and upholding information access and privacy rights.
Further reading
- Building trust in the public record policy (National Archives)
- Getting started with information management, Storing information and Preserving information (National Archives)
- Compliant destruction of Australian Government information (National Archives)
- Information management for current, emerging and critical technologies (National Archives)
- Information Management Standard for Australian Government (National Archives)
- Principles on open public sector information (OAIC)
