Media Statement: OIC to establish facts in RTI request.

The Information Commissioner, as an independent statutory office holder, has oversight and external review powers under the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld) (RTI Act).

The independent authority of the Information Commissioner seeks to give the community assurance that the role of the Information Commissioner will be carried out independently, fairly, and impartially.

The Information Commissioner recognises the significant public interest in having confidence in the proper working of the RTI Act.

It is important for government to be open, transparent and accountable in the decisions it makes, and make information available to the public unless it is contrary to the public interest.

The Information Commissioner is aware of the media coverage relating to an RTI application involving a text message sent by the Premier and will be writing to the relevant parties to establish the facts and determine if the RTI Act has been complied with. This is not an investigation.

As appropriate, the Office of the Information Commissioner will issue a further statement in relation to this matter.