Dental waiting lists revealed in data revolution

Premier Campbell Newman is continuing to deliver on the State’s ‘open data revolution’ with Queensland’s dental clinic waiting lists revealed publicly for the first time today.

Mr Newman said the information had been published and updated online through the Queensland Government’s Open Data website.

“The State Government is committed to being open and transparent,” Mr Newman said.

“Posting this data will go a long way to helping us restore accountability and confidence in our public health system.”

The Queensland dental clinic information will detail the number of people waiting at public clinics across the State and the number of patients treated in a one month timeframe.

“The data will give a real insight into how many people are accessing public dental services and how quickly they are likely to be seen,” he said.

“For each Queensland reporting dental clinic, the information shows the number of patients waiting for an appointment by urgency category and how long they have been waiting.

“This is the latest piece of information that we have released since announcing our open data revolution.

“We have already uploaded information on specialist waiting lists and perinatal statistics, traffic and registration data, data on coal seam gas approvals, crime statistics, social housing data and flood mapping information.

“Wide-ranging state school statistics including attendance and enrolment as well as class sizes, disciplinary and absences data can also be accessed from the site.

“Information is the new currency and open access to Government data will stimulate the development of new and innovative services and solutions.

“It is also a marker for performance for all governments in the future.”

The Queensland Government’s Open Data website is data.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 14 November 2012

Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500