11: Information Publication Scheme

Support the model for the publication scheme set out in the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 200931.

Other Information:

The Taskforce recommends that, in the development, management and implementation of a government information publication scheme, the proposed new Office of the Information Commissioner, once established, take regard of the findings and recommendations contained in the Taskforce Project report 7. The Taskforce supports the model for the publication scheme set out in the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 200931 • Provide an overall and consistent statutory framework for information publication by all agencies; and notes that the Bill currently provides for the aims below. To reinforce its support, the Taskforce recommends information publication schemes be developed with the following explicit aims: • Encourage the widest disclosure of reliable and useful government information consistent with the public interest, and thereby greater trust in government; • Guide agencies in overcoming attitudinal, technological and legal barriers to optimal information disclosure and use, and to improved public engagement; • Provide a planning framework to assist agencies in their overall information management; • Provide an integrated and simplified guide for agencies to meet their information publication and reporting obligations; • Provide clear and understandable guidance to the public on their rights to, and methods of, accessing and using government information, leading to improved service delivery and public engagement in policy development; and • Enable the proposed new Information Commissioner function to monitor schemes, and encourage agencies towards achieving government pro-disclosure objectives through reference to exemplars, and reporting of unsatisfactory progress.

Objective(s):

11.1: Statutory Framework

11.2

11.3: Barriers

11.4: Planning Framework

11.5: Guide

11.6: Guidance

11.7: Pro-Disclosure

Content