About us
A charity that builds public digital infrastructure for democracy.
We’re an independent, strictly non-partisan charity. We run a public digital library for democracy, used by hundreds of thousands of people across Australia.
Vision & mission
Our vision is to transform democracy in Australia. Our mission is to give all Australians the tools they need to effect the change they want. We create technologies that encourage and enable people to access the information they need to confidently take part in democratic life – on a local, community and national level.
Our story
Standing on the shoulders of others.
In 2004 Matthew Landauer and Katherine Szuminska attended the launch of TheyWorkForYou in the UK and were inspired to build something similar in Australia. Three years later, the first rough prototype of OpenAustralia.org went live.
Since then – with volunteers, donations and a few grants – we’ve grown to run four services used by hundreds of thousands of people. Some of our services build on open-source software created and maintained by others, and we always credit the work we build on.
Strictly non-partisan
We are not the government, nor are we affiliated with any political party. We have views about transparency and accountability – never about parties.
Uluru Statement from the Heart
We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart to achieve justice, recognition and respect for First Nations people, and a referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice in our Constitution.
Open governance
We’re a company limited by guarantee, registered with the ACNC, governed by a constitution and accountable to our members. Our financial reporting is public on the ACNC charity register.
Keep the collection open
Funded entirely by donations from people who use the services and want them to keep going. OpenAustralia Foundation is a registered charity. Donations are not currently tax deductible.