News
First council compliance review – What can we learn?
June 1, 2014 - 12:20pm
The first compliance review of a local government, Rockhampton Regional Council (RRC), was reported to Parliament on 6 May 2014. The review against the RTI and IP Act obligations identified one issue that is likely to be relevant for all other local governments – the importance of all business units communicating well with individuals seeking information – to be promoted by the adoption of an agency-wide communication strategy and through training for all staff.
Third parties consultation and decision-making
June 1, 2014 - 12:18pm
Notify applicants and third parties of decision at the same time
Consulted third parties must be given a decision letter if you decide to release a document contrary to the objections of a third party. The decision letter should be given to the third party and the applicant at the same time, or as soon as possible after, the decision letter is given to the applicant. This is because only one decision can be made in relation to an access application.
Private sector employees and personal information
June 1, 2014 - 12:15pm
Information requests for documents containing personal information of public sector employees are likely to attract public interest factors relevant to fostering government transparency and accountability1, which carry substantial weight.
Smile for the camera
June 1, 2014 - 12:13pm
“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” – Karl Lagerfeld
Admin access or RTI?
June 1, 2014 - 12:10pm
Wherever possible, formal applications for government-held information under the Right to Information Act 2009 (RTI Act) and the Information Privacy Act 2009 (IP Act) should only be made as a last resort.1
