It’s no secret that many New Zealanders are cynical about politics and politicians.
For three years, Labour has done its best to do things differently and try different ways to bring politics and people closer together.
Red Alert is an example of that. Phil Goff took his caucus out to regional New Zealand to reconnect with New Zealanders. Most Labour MPs regularly use social media tools to build stronger relationships with people.
Today, Labour released its first Open Government policy. It’s a first for New Zealand because it was developed out of an open policy making process involving New Zealanders.
In 2010 Labour trialled OpenLabourNZ, a new way of Labour engaging with communities to seek their input by using new technologies and methods to increase participation drawing on similar processes used in Australia, the US and the UK. This policy is the distilled outcome of OpenLabourNZ.
It commits to producing a comprehensive “Open Government Charter”, based on a set of principles developed by Labour MPs in consultation with members of the public. It’s an important start.
People deserve to know the democratic process around parliamentary law making is sound. Hence, transparency of political offices is the core principle in the Open Government policy.
We believe New Zealanders understand a balance must be struck between transparency and accountability, on the one hand, and the need for the provision of “free and frank advice” to guide effective government and to protect the security and commercially sensitive aspects of advice.
But increasing people?s trust in the political process can only be guaranteed by ensuring a more open government. We believe that wherever possible; open is best.
Today I released our Open Government Policy in Wellington with my colleague Grant Robertson, who has supported me and helped with its development. Many of my colleagues have been actively involved in taking this policy through to fruition today. I thank them. It’s a big step for Labour.
It’s the start of a change in the way government and politics is conducted. I think for the better.
This is much more difficult than it looks, and Labour is to be congratulated on being brave. Information wants to be free, as they say, and a modern government has to bite the bullet and make things easily and sustainably available (ie, available in formats that will be relevant forever).
Open government means open systems: lets lead the world and be the first to create an open (source) voting system, the first computer mediated voting system the world can trust!
Phil has been consistent and open in his presentation to the public.
Making public Labour’s absolute rejection of the Roger Douglas neocon thrust into privatisation for the profit of off shore investors, was a monumental turning point.
Phil has declared that as a PAST MISTAKE THAT WE HAVE LEARNED FROM.
Labour no longer has to hide in shame for being foster parent to this grim phase of destruction to the social fabric of NZ.
Now we can move on and openly fight any such moves to strip NZ of its assets without guilt.
Being open embraces freedom.
Clare, RA won’t seem to accept links to Publiccreditorbust blogg.
Is that banned?
Labour has Red Alert and detractors are free to contribute to it at will, no party membership required but where is the National Party site that allows people to do the same? National wants to insulate itself from outside criticism and JK wants only yesmen around him.