Australia’s Open Government Partnership

The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multilateral initiative that aims to secure commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.

The OGP agenda extends to a variety of issues. These include:

• digital transformation
• the use of artificial intelligence
• promoting disclosure of interests and conflicts
• freedom of information
• public ethics
• anti-corruption
• service delivery
• budgetary efficiency
• public safety
• corporate accountability.

Australia became a member of the Open Government Partnership in 2015. As an OGP member, Australia is required to produce a national action plan that sets out commitments that the government will deliver within a 2-year or 4-year timeframe. Australia has released 3 national action plans to date.

Each national action plan is reviewed by an Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) which is guided by the Steering Committee of the Open Government Partnership. The IRM provides independent, evidence-based and objective reporting to hold OGP members accountable and support their open government efforts. You can learn more about the IRM on the Open Government Partnership website.

The Australian Government worked with civil society to develop a Third National Action Plan (NAP3), which was published on 15 December 2023 and captures an ambitious plan for open government, transparency and accountability. The NAP3 concludes on 31 December 2025.

Contribute to open government in Australia

Nominations now open for civil society membership of Australia’s Open Government Forum

The Attorney-General’s Department is seeking nominations from individuals to fill civil society positions on the next Open Government Forum (the forum), including the position of civil society co-chair. 

The forum is established as a key part of Australia’s participation in the Open Government Partnership. The Open Government Partnership helps governments and citizens work together to build more open, resilient and prosperous societies through empowerment, collaboration and accountability. 

Civil society members of the forum work in partnership with government members to create and implement open government reforms. They will:

• promote transparent, participatory, inclusive and accountable governance
• develop and monitor implementation of Australia’s fourth Open Government Partnership National Action Plan (NAP4)
• drive engagement with civil society and the broader community on NAP4
• raise awareness about open government. 

Nominations close on 12 January 2026. 

Civil society members will be appointed by the Attorney-General for a period of 3 years, with an opportunity to be extended.

The role of Open Government Forum members 

The forum will help develop, implement and monitor a robust National Action Plan and raise awareness about open government. 

Forum membership will have equal representation from government and civil society. It will establish a space for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between government, civil society and other non-governmental stakeholders, consistent with the Open Government Partnership Participation and Co-Creation Standards. The forum will be co-chaired by a member from the government and a civil society member. 

The forum will be guided by Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference that applied to development of Australia’s Third National Action Plan will be reviewed ahead of the first forum meeting in 2026.

Civil society forum members are expected to actively contribute to discussions, proactively engage with the broader community and attend regular forum meetings, which are held at least every 6 months. Additional meetings may be required in 2026 to co-create the NAP4. For in-person meetings, assistance with reasonable travel-related expenses will be provided. 

Selection criteria 

Civil society members will be appointed to the forum as individuals based on the following selection criteria: 

• their demonstrated support of OGP’s vision and the Open Government Declaration
• their ability to represent and engage with the views of civil society stakeholders and community networks
• their previous experience working with and influencing government
• their expertise relevant to the OGP, including existing or potential Australian Open Government commitments and emerging priorities.

The forum will seek to broadly reflect the diversity of the Australian community and represent a wide range of interests, including from the business sector and regional Australia. 

Applications from people who are First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse or living with a disability are particularly encouraged.

How to apply 

To apply for a position as a forum member, email your resume and a one-page expression of interest outlining your motivations for joining and addressing the selection criteria above to opengovernment@ag.gov.au by 11:59 pm AEDT on 12 January 2026. Please also indicate if you would like to be considered for the role of civil society co-chair. 

Visit Contribute to open government in Australia to access a downloadable document containing information about the role and how to apply. 

Candidates for initial appointment will be assessed by a selection panel comprising co-chairs of the forum. Members will be appointed by the Attorney-General. 

It is expected that the forum will be established in early 2026, and hold its first meeting shortly after, to begin developing a new NAP4. 

Successful candidates will be required to provide a biography, including a photo, to be published on Australia’s OGP website. No contact details will be published.