[Greens-Media] Govt criticised for withholding CBD Metro documents

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 13 May 2010

Govt criticised for withholding CBD Metro documents

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has welcomed the report from former Chief Justice Sir Laurence Street that rejects the NSW government's claim that the bulk of the documents about the ill-fated CBD metro project are privileged and recommends they be released in the public interest ('Metro papers set for release', SMH page 2 today http://www.tinyurl.com.au/7mr). 

Ms Rhiannon disputed the claims of privilege and moved for Judge Street to evaluate the government's case. His report, available on Ms Rhiannon's website (http://www.tinyurl.com.au/7mw ), was tabled in the Upper House yesterday. The Greens will now move for the release of papers next week.

"It is clear that the government unjustly claimed privilege to shield itself from the political flak it would have to endure if the documents were publicly released and scrutinised," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The CBD Metro project is dead in the water and the public has a legitimate interest in finding out why another significant transport infrastructure project never got off the ground.

"Sir Laurence Street concludes that the public interest trumps the government's claim for privilege. 

"Street comments, 'there is plainly great value as well as legitimate public interest in examining and evaluating the considerations and events leading up to he discontinuance of the project'.

"The government has once again tried to use claims of legal professional privilege, public interest immunity and commercial-in-confidence as a shield.

"This latest attempt at deception by the Keneally government shows it has scant respect for transparency and accountability.

"These documents about the CBD Metro should have been made available to the public in a proactive manner. Instead we have had to fight tooth and nail for their release. 

"The whole affair does not bode well for new freedom of information laws due to commence next month," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568



Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t all days save Wed)
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