The Information Commissioner in NSW, Elizabeth Tydd has released a new charter for public participation, aimed at assisting Departments and Agencies to promote citizen engagement.
The NSW Information and Privacy Commission’s Charter for Public Participation is a guide for Agencies aimed at enshrining the centrality of public participation in Government Agency decision-making.
Ms Tydd said the Charter was a critical tool to support Agencies in realising the benefits of open Government and the State’s Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA).
“The Charter provides a practical roadmap for embedding the functions of the Act into everyday Government Agency activities,” Ms Tydd said.
“It provides practical information, steps, tools and case studies for Agencies to achieve meaningful engagement with citizens.
“Genuine collaboration between Government Agencies and citizens is essential to effectively harness citizens’ ideas, knowledge, wisdom and skills in the development and implementation of effective policies and service delivery.”
She said investment in new and effective approaches to public participation would enable Agencies to build capacity, develop and sustain partnerships and deliver effective solutions to contemporary policy challenges.
“Government holds information that informs its decision-making, information that should be actively applied to ensure meaningful engagement with citizens and promote a more participatory democracy,” Ms Tydd said.
The Commission’s 51-page charter can be accessed at this PS News link.
