The release of Western Australia’s first whole of government Open Data Policy is a key reform that promises to drive innovation and to support Western Australia’s growing information and communications technology sector.
Announcing the policy today, Premier and Science Minister Colin Barnett, Finance Minister Bill Marmion and Lands Minister Terry Redman said it would improve the management and use of public sector data to deliver better value and benefits for all West Australians.
“WA has a proud history of competing internationally by building on our resources,” the Premier said.
“To help maintain this competitive edge, the State Government is supporting innovation and technological development.
“I am confident that WA entrepreneurs will use these datasets to create new products, services and business opportunities, and we welcome public input about data access priorities.”
Mr Marmion said the information collected by agencies could deliver positive community and business outcomes.
“There are already good examples of the benefits of using WA data, including the development of a new tracking device that had its origins in Landgate and Department of Mines and Petroleum information,” he said.
“The Open Data Policy will also allow agencies to work better together and reduce duplication.”
Mr Redman said the policy would result in the release of appropriate and high-value data to the public in easily discoverable and usable ways.
“This policy will facilitate the release of more government data and improve consistency in how data is released across the sector,” he said.
Facts
- The policy was formally launched at GovHack 2015, a government-supported open data event to create new apps that add value to government data.
- Landgate will implement the policy in consultation with other agencies.
- The Open Data Policy applies to all Public Sector Management Act 1994 agencies, plus agencies such as government enterprises, universities, local government, courts and tribunals, and government consultants, contractors and grant recipient.
