Inquiry into improving access to Victorian public sector information and data

• Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee
• Parliament of Victoria

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26 June 2009This report discusses the benefits and costs of maximising access to and use of Government information for commercial and non-commercial purposes and calls for improved access to Victorian Government information.

The Committee's key recommendation is that the Victorian Government establish an Information Management Framework (IMF), with open access to Government information at no or marginal cost as the default position.

The Chair of the Committee, the Hon. Christine Campbell MP said, "Governments are the largest holders of information and opening this up for public use will drive innovation across Victoria."

"The Committee believes the economic and social benefits arising from the release of Victorian Government information at no cost will far outweigh the benefits of treating it as a commodity."

To facilitate discovery of Victorian Government information, the Committee recommended the development of a data directory to allow anyone to identify what information and data exists.

"A comprehensive and searchable register of materials held by the Government is essential to improve access to government information," Ms Campbell said.

The Committee was also asked to consider how flexible licensing systems would facilitate reuse of government information. It recommended the Victorian Government adopt the Creative Commons licensing model.

"Based on the concept of ‘free culture', Creative Commons provides a consistent and simple set of licensing options that allow the Victorian Government to make materials available for reuse on liberal terms," Ms Campbell said.

During the course of the Inquiry, the Committee received 80 written submissions and convened public hearings with 32 witnesses. The Committee's report contains 46 recommendations.