I've been hearing rumours that many Australian government departments are investigating how to publish their data online. This is justified by an amendment to Australian's Freedom of Information Act, published June 2010, which describes a pro-disclosure culture relating to information.
The changes are explained on the government website:
The objects of the FOI Act are a clear statement of the intention to promote disclosure of information held by government. The objects include to:
- give the Australian community access to information by requiring agencies to publish the information, and provide a right of access
- contribute to increased participation in government processes and increased scrutiny, discussion and review of government activities
- increase recognition that information held by government is a national resource
- promote public access to information, promptly and at the lowest reasonable cost.
Source: http://www.oaic.gov.au/foi/what.html#pro_disclosure_culture
