AGENDA ITEM 5
ATTACHMENT A
OGP Interim Working Group – Meeting 6
28 March 2017
MULTI-STAKEHOLDER FORUM
Commitment 5.1 of Australia’s first Open Government National Action Plan committed to establish a
multi-stakeholder forum to track implementation of OGP commitments, inform drafting of future National
Action Plans and raise awareness about open government in the broader community. The Government also
committed to partner with civil society to determine the forum’s structure and role.
Potential models for consideration
The OGP’s handbook for Designing and Managing an OGP Multi-Stakeholder Forum notes that no two multistakeholder forums are identical, with the character of each nation’s government and civil society
participants influencing the model they design.
The handbook, along with the OGP Consultation During Implementation Guidance Note, outlines a number
of best practice options/models for the multi-stakeholder forum. It is proposed that consultation on
Australia’s multi-stakeholder forum is based on the options outlined in the OGP handbook and guidance.
Model
Structure of group
Selection of
members
Open to any
individual or civil
society organisation.
Civil society selfselects.
Members selected
based on set criteria.
Government and
non-government cochairs.
Currently exists?
Civil Society
Network: Coalition of
civil society
organisations and
individuals.
Single forum model:
Convenes
government and civil
society in one
formally established,
central committee for
coordination.
Steering Committee
of 5 – 9 members.
Convener responsible
for administering the
network.
Equal government
and non-government
representation.
Government provides
secretariat support.
Hub-and-spoke:
Network of smaller
forums (e.g. broken
down by sector,
thematic areas or
commitments), which
may be coordinated
by a central
committee.
Public interest peak
body: Peak, nongovernment structure
to coordinate
dialogue on public
interest issues.
Government provides
secretariat support.
Government selects
based on set criteria
based on expertise
and/or by invitation.
Rotating chairs.
No.
Independent from
Government and
business.
Membership and
modus operandi
should be decided
through consultation
across civil society.
No – Suggested by
Bob Douglas. Similar
to the Business
Council of Australia.
Issues
Yes – Australian Open
Government
Partnership Civil
Society Network.
Breadth of
membership.
Difficulties engaging
government.
Yes – Interim
Working Group. This
group could be
extended or a new
group established.
Breadth of
membership. May
lack subject matter
expertise on some
topics. Need
mechanism for
broader civic
engagement.
May be difficult to
bring views together.
Requires additional
administrative
support.
May have too broad a
remit to be able to
undertake all the
functions required by
the OGP.
Government’s role to
establish a peak
group?
AGENDA ITEM 5
ATTACHMENT A
OGP Interim Working Group – Meeting 6
28 March 2017
Elements for consideration
Some specific questions for consideration include:
Establishment of the
forum
Operation of the forum
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How many members should be on the forum?
What should be the criteria for selection?
Who should select members?
What should the term of membership be?
What should be the role/responsibilities of the forum?
How often should they meet?
How should decisions be made by the forum?
Steps for establishing the multi-stakeholder forum
It is proposed that the IWG lead the establishment of the multi-stakeholder forum. It is important that this
be done in partnership with civil society and government. Next steps may include:
Date
19 March 2017
28 March 2017
March - April
2017
April 2017
May 2017
May 2017
June 2017
June 2017
Action
Publicly announce reconvening the Interim Working Group (IWG).
IWG decide on the process for establishing the multi-stakeholder forum, including
mechanism for getting public views on the forum. IWG agree that PM&C and
interested IWG members should lead process and reach any preliminary views on
models to inform engagement.
Iterative process to get public views on the establishment and operation of the
multi-stakeholder forum, including engagement on digital platforms. PM&C and IWG
would use their different channels and networks, as well as any face-to-face
opportunities that may arise, to engage people in this.
PM&C and IWG members develop proposal for the multi-stakeholder forum for
consideration by Minister Cormann, taking into account feedback from the public
consultation.
Decision by Minister Cormann.
Publish and disseminate selection process, and conduct awareness raising activities.
Review nominations and communicate results.
Establish the multi-stakeholder forum and schedule the inaugural meeting.
Note: The National Action Plan commits to establish the forum by March 2017. However, it is proposed
that this be delayed to allow for adequate public engagement.