3. Overarching e-GIF policies

The policies below are concerned with non-technical matters that are central to effective functioning of the e-GIF in the business environment of government agencies. Regardless of how any agency applies any of the other components of the e-GIF, these policies have universal application and should be adhered to by all agencies using the e-GIF.

3.1. Policy statements

3.1.1. Application of the Policy Framework for Government-held Information

All aspects of the Policy Framework for Government-held Information apply to data and information that is shared, exchanged, or otherwise used or managed, under the specifications or coverage of the e-GIF.

This requirement extends to the e-GIF itself.

3.1.2. Agencies to develop Interoperability Agreements

Agencies involved in inter-agency projects will sign a formal Interoperability Agreement.

3.1.3. Data and information quality

Data and information quality is of critical importance to achieving the desired outcomes of service integration through the application of the e-GIF, and the inter-agency e-government initiatives it supports. In every instance where agencies exchange data or information under the auspices of the e-GIF, a formal agreement over management of data or information quality will be developed as part of the Interoperability Agreement noted above.

3.1.4. Inter-agency cost recovery

In instances where agencies need to recover operational costs [An example of operational costs are those that may accrue from the delivery and maintenance of different datasets, with one agency agreeing to act on behalf of another, and recovering the costs of doing so. Commitment for capital expenditure to achieve integrated services between agencies will follow normal business process; that is, normal business planning and budget cycles with agencies identifying and agreeing capex streams in advance of projects.] arising from application of the e-GIF these costs will:

• be explicitly identified as part of an Interoperability Agreement, and accrue to the agency or agencies that are the principal beneficiaries of the transaction, except where:
• the attribution of cost and cost recovery is uneconomic; or
• public policy considerations justify partial or complete subsidy.

The following legislation, policies and/or guidelines will guide the process (where relevant):

• The Privacy Act 1993
• The Official Information Act 1982
• The Policy Framework for Government-held Information (pricing principles)
• Guidelines for setting charges in the public sector (The Treasury).