Innovative approach to drive open data engagement in Queensland

Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Leeanne Enoch, has encouraged the community to provide feedback as the Palaszczuk Government shapes the first comprehensive Open Data Policy for the Queensland Government.

Ms Enoch said the Government – in partnership with Open Data Institute Queensland (ODIQ) – was using innovative techniques to generate broader engagement during consultation to capture more in-depth feedback.

"These techniques include an interactive social map, which is fun and simple to use, online discussion groups and deep dive workshops,” Ms Enoch said

"By engaging with the widest audience possible and making it easy to participate, we can develop an Open Data Policy that best meets the needs of the whole community.”

Open Data is data that is made available by governments, organisations, researchers and individuals for anyone to access, use and share. This information can be used to drive new business opportunities, encourage partnerships, find solutions, improve decision-making and help communities.

“Open Data already positively influences our lives in many ways. For example, we can access public transport, health and environmental information with a simple touch of our phones,” Ms Enoch said.

 “What’s encouraging is there are many more untapped ideas for business and community services that will be easier to develop and implement with access to the right data. The comprehensive Open Data Policy, co-designed with the community, will help make this happen.”

Ms Enoch said the goal of the policy was to improve access to free, accurate, accessible and well-managed Open Data to encourage the growth of new and innovative creative services, projects and businesses in Queensland.

“The Open Data Policy will ensure data is more accessible, and of a higher quality, with improved standards, management practices and efficiency,” she said.

“By sharing information through Open Data, we will support the development of the next big ideas, businesses, digital innovations, services, and research.”

For more information on ‘Open Data, Open Conversations’ visit the ODI Queensland web post here.

http://queensland.theodi.org/2016/09/02/open-data-open-conversations/

Media contact: Daniel Lato 0438 830 201