International Law

NSW has gone from the 'Premier State' to a state of despair in the last few months, as evidenced by screaming headlines and editorials in today's papers. Ongoing issues about competence now have a whiff of corruption, but with three years and one month to the next election, the government itself is faced with how to dig a way out of these holes of its own making.

It's a big job to rebuild trust and confidence, but Premier, give a bit of thought to how a commitment to honesty, and transparency might be part of the equation. The gravity of the situation surely indicates that even more spin isn't the answer, even though Bruce Hawker an ALP connected consultant told the ABC this morning that his advice to the Premier would be that it is only early days in the election cycle, so don't panic.

The NSW Government has stared down for at least 17 years, calls for review of Freedom of Information legislation, and for strong and enduring leadership on greater openness in the conduct of government functions. If the label 'Secret State' fits, the Government seems to have worn it, almost with pride.

Five months ago the Independent Member for Sydney and Lord Mayor, Clover Moore asked the Premier the following questions:

With regard to the NSW Ombudsman 2005-2006 Annual Report:

1. Is the NSW Government aware that in 2004-05 NSW had the lowest percentage of full Freedom of Information releases compared to all mainland states?
2. Is the NSW Government aware that in 2004-05 NSW had the highest percentage of partial Freedom of Information releases compared to all mainland states?
3. Is the NSW Government aware that over the past 10 years, the percentage of full Freedom of Information releases in NSW has been reducing?
4. What assessment has the NSW Government made of the NSW Ombudsman's call for a comprehensive review of the Freedom of Information Act?
5. To what extent is the NSW Government committed to increasing the percentage of full Freedom of Information releases?
6. What action will the NSW Government take to increase the percentage of full Freedom of Information releases?

1 to (6) The Director General of the Department of Premier and Cabinet is meeting with the Ombudsman to discuss his concerns regarding the need for a review of the Freedom of Information Act. The recent release of the new FOI Manual, a joint publication of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Ombudsman, is a further step in helping to improve decision-making in this area. The manual ensures that all agencies are fully aware of their obligations and, particularly in relation to exemptions, that they apply the Act.

Full post as published by Open and Shut on February 21, 2008 (boomark / email).