What is open data?
Open data is data that anyone can access, use and share without restrictions.
The NSW Government Open Data Policy focuses on datasets as an aspect of information defined in the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).
A dataset is an identifiable collection of government-held information or data. Most commonly a dataset refers to a single database table, a single statistical data matrix, a collection of closely related tables or a subset of data within a larger dataset.
When releasing open data, NSW Government agencies follow these principles:
- Open by default and protected where required
- Easy to find and use
- Accurate and up to date
- Free where possible
- Well managed and trusted
- Subject to public input
Why open data?
Making data available to everyone, as open data, fosters transparency and unlocks collaborative opportunities between the private and public sector as well as, the wider community. Sharing data across government and community drives economic growth, social impact, and environmental sustainability and innovation.
Where to find open data?
NSW government agencies have made a wide range of its data available via open data portals:
Last updated 18 Mar 2025