QLD Government’s first Open Data Policy Statement released

The Palaszczuk Government is predicting new jobs will be created under its commitment to make better use of government data.

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch – who today (Friday) released the government’s first Open Data Policy Statement – said increased access to government data will help foster greater ingenuity and create jobs.

“Open data produces value through improved services, it enhances inclusion and responsiveness, and it also stimulates the digital economy,” Ms Enoch said.

“Since the Queensland Government created its first open data portal in 2012, we’ve remained entrepreneurial with our approach to open data. This policy statement affirms our commitment to sharing more data, and complements our DIGITAL1ST Strategy, which was introduced on Wednesday.

“The DIGITAL1ST Strategy will help position the state as a leader in digital government – putting people at the heart of government services and building on existing momentum to improve government service delivery in Queensland.”

Ms Enoch said the Open Data Policy Statement has been drafted with input from businesses, academia, industry associations and the community.

“This will help provide a direction on open data that we believe best meets the needs of all Queenslanders,” Ms Enoch said.

“It will ensure data is more accessible, and of a higher quality, with improved standards, management practices and efficiency.”

Ms Enoch said GovHack 2017, which took place in July across seven Queensland locations, including Rockhampton, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, highlighted the power of open data.

“Competing teams utilised a variety of government datasets relating to things like transport, land use and trade to flesh out big ideas in a very short timeframe,” Ms Enoch said.

“As a result, some really interesting solutions were delivered that show the capability of Queenslanders when it comes to innovation through open data.”

The annual GovHack State Awards – sponsored by the Palaszczuk Government – will be held in Brisbane tonight, with some of the projects in contention including an app for expectant mums and a web service for business expansion.

The Queensland Government’s Open Data Policy Statement can be viewed online: https://www.qld.gov.au/data/qld-data-policy-statement.pdf

Anyone can download over 2350 datasets through the Queensland Government’s open data portal, data.qld.gov.au, for developer mashups, research and other purposes.

ENDS
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