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October 2010
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Welcome to the inaugural issue of OIC news – the Office of the Information Commissioner’s monthly e-newsletter.
OIC news is designed to share the latest information and ideas on right to information practice with members of the public, government agencies, community organisations, the media and other stakeholders. Feel free to send us your stories and feedback for future editions.
Right to Information Day celebrations this week have provided much insight and inspiration about open government initiatives, both in Australia and overseas.
The Queensland Office of the Information Commissioner hosted a wonderful program of events, featuring both the Solomon Lecture, with an informative address by author Don Watson, and the Right to Information Forum, featuring an outstanding line-up.
The forum provided an excellent opportunity to hear from a number of right to information experts, such as Professor Beth Noveck, Chief Technology Office for open government in the United States, who joined the forum via internet link.
The leader of President Barack Obama’s open government reforms, Professor Noveck proved that distance is no barrier to a great communicator as she captivated the audience across cyberspace from the US. She discussed her experiences leading the team responsible for driving open government reforms under the Obama administration.
In events closer to home, I am pleased to report that work has begun to prepare for the merger of the Office of the Information Commissioner and Privacy NSW. While a commencement date for the Information and Privacy Commission is yet to be announced, work is underway to determine the best way to deliver services to the public.
Until next month, I encourage anyone seeking advice on the GIPA Act to contact the OIC. You can visit our website, send us an email, call us on 1800 INFOCOM (1800 463 626) or drop in to our office at Level 11, 1 Castlereagh Street, Sydney.
Kind regards
Deirdre O’Donnell
Information Commissioner
Send us your stories: we are keen to share information on how government agencies are contributing to open government in New South Wales. Email your story ideas to oicinfo@oic.nsw.gov.au
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| OIC on the road again |
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Following the success of our recent regional Right to Information Roadshow, the OIC is going back on the road with dates confirmed for greater Sydney.
OIC Learning and Development Manager Justine McHarg says the roadshow program features opportunities for the public, community advocates, media representatives and non-government organisations to learn about the right to information system in NSW.
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| GIPA guide for frontline staff |
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The OIC has produced a new resource that recognises the vital role frontline staff play in creating a more open and accountable government in New South Wales.
OIC Policy and Good Practice manager Shirley Southgate says staff who deal directly with the public play a crucial role in ensuring their agencies comply with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).
“To help all agency staff understand their responsibilities under the GIPA Act, we’ve produced a template guide for agencies to distribute to employees,” Ms Southgate says.
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| Acting on agency reviews |
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We may only be three months into the state’s new right to information system, but the OIC’s review function is running hot.
Casework and Compliance manager Linda Tucker says the OIC has already received more than 40 reviews or complaints regarding how agencies manage and disclose government information.
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| Shellharbour celebrates GIPA gurus |
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The OIC is pleased at evidence that there are local government agencies across the state who have embraced the new right to information reforms. To date, the most enthusiastic has been Shellharbour City Council.
The council’s Executive Services manager and public officer Flora MastroDomenico says they embraced the issue of complying with the GIPA Act early on, establishing a project team late in 2009 to ensure they were compliant by the Act’s commencement on 1 July.
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