Open Government National Action Plan – public submission from Lyndsey Jackson
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Australia’s First Open Government National Action Plan 2016-18. My feedback is focused on the inclusion of equity in the Plan.
The Open Government Action is a positive and welcome priority.
This submission addresses my belief that the draft document lacks theinclusion of equity as a key and integrated focus. Becoming more open, transparent and accountable, and improving public engagementdoes not inherently ensure equity. Thus this submission argues for the inclusion of equity in the introduction, and the inclusion of equity as a focus throughout the document. For example the inclusion and rewording of the introduction to:
But in a rapidly changing world – transformed by the digital revolution – it is important Australia boosts its efforts to become even more [equitable,] open, transparent and accountable, and improve public engagement.
A lack of equality to government and government process, procedures, services, and opportunities causes exclusion; therefore ensuring equality means creating targets and actively working to reach them. Including equity as an objective in approaches, strategies and actions,provides a measurable and monitorabledataset that progress can be evaluated against; it also provides “permission” to act when equity is not met.
A focus on equity puts the onus back onto the Government and society as a whole. From a technical level this can mean choosing technology options that are accessible and comply with wcag, or open sourcing technology, knowledge, and programs so Government investment can be leveraged for the betterment of others.
Equity demands fair and equal representation by different groups, gender and ages. It means ensuring people have not just the knowledge but the skills and experience in using technology in order to make the most out of services, information and opportunities in an equitable way. It also means all levels of government, individuals, organisations, businesses and services can have an opportunity to equally benefit from government actions and initiatives that will result from this plan; and so too will those in rural and regional Australia.
A successful, convivial society implores us to ensure that anyone with a desire to participate can. Technology provides an exciting and indeed revolutionary way for us to ensure that this can occur with less impediments than ever before; so long as equity is achieved.
I thank you for any consideration you give this submission.
Thanking you,
Lyndsey Jackson
About the Author:
Lyndsey Jackson has worked in the technology sector for over eight years delivering web services, training and expertise to the not for profit sector, and all levels of government. Lyndsey has spent over fifteen years working and participating with communities across Australia. Lyndsey has particular interest and strengths in rural, youth and grass roots community development, participation and engagement. Lyndsey is not affiliated with any organisation.