Feedback on our proposed new open data policy

Open data is a critical component of open government and an important cog in the machinery of democracy – it promotes greater transparency and trust in government. But the potential of open data is immense. The opening up of government data facilitates the development of solutions to common problems; it reduces duplication and redundancy and helps avoid silos of knowledge. – Call for submissions, Respondent (2020)

At the beginning of the year, we asked the community to provide feedback on Victoria’s draft open data policy that updates and replaces the previous policy endorsed by Cabinet in 2012. The Data Vic Access Policy sets out the expectations of Victorian Government organisations to appropriately share their data with the public.

The proposed new policy outlines a more strategic approach to achieving a wider range of benefits that Victoria can meet through its open data program, going beyond the focus on productivity and economic stimulation. 

We received 100 responses to the survey and 88 written submissions from citizens, public servants, the private sector, community groups and not-for-profit organisations. 

Due to the breadth and richness of the feedback we received through the consultation, it is anticipated that DPC will be working on finalising the policy well into 2020. When the policy is released it will include a summary of how this feedback was reviewed and incorporated into the new policy. 

We thank all the contributors for the considered and detailed submissions. To read more about the submissions we received and be kept up to data on the new open data policy visit the Engage Victoria website. 

The raw survey data is also available on data.vic.gov.au.