[Greens-Media] ‘Freedom of information’ a misnomer in NSW

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 12 September 2006
	
‘Freedom of information’ a misnomer in NSW

Greens MP and justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said reports today showing a decline in the release of documents under Federal Freedom of Information laws replicate similar trends in NSW.

“It is time Premier Iemma moved to arrest the growing culture of secrecy in the NSW government,” Ms Rhiannon said.  

“For over 10 years the NSW government has ignored alarm bells rung by the NSW Ombudsman about downward trends in the release of information under FOI.

 “The NSW Ombudsman reports that while more and more people are seeking to use FOI laws to access information fewer applications are actually being granted.  

“Since 1995/96 the percentage of applications where documents have been released in full has decreased from 81% to 63%, and the number of applications refused in part have more than tripled.

“Government agencies frequently misunderstand their obligations under FOI laws, hide behind exemptions like cabinet in confidence and legal professional privilege and fail to give reasons for refusing access to documents.

“Application fees are increasing and delays in processing applications are growing.

“It is little wonder the NSW Ombudsman is receiving a greater number of complaints, with a threefold increase in complaints from journalists alone. 

“In the last two budget estimates Premier Iemma has refused to agree to the Greens call for a review of the NSW FOI Act.

“The Premier said the Act is reviewed on an ongoing basis and pointed to an updated manual for FOI practitioners that is due to be released by the end of 2006. 

“What Premier Iemma failed to mention is the seven year delay in finalising this project. 

“The government has recently found the energy to change the law to prevent the release of information on adverse incidents in hospitals.

“Premier Iemma must now move to review the NSW Freedom of Information Act to combat downward trends in the release of documents that should rightly be in the public domain,” Ms Rhiannon said.

More information:  9230 3551; 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed and alternate Mons)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au