A lot of people get hot under the collar about FOI in Australia (see for example the comments that have been posted on the Sydney Morning Herald FOI blog), but this is nothing compared to what's going on in India.
Several FOI activists are on a hunger strike and there is a call for Indians worldwide to support a campaign to prevent a Government attempt to substantially amend the FOI Act within 12 months of its commencement. The issue revolves around a decision to exclude "file notings" (internal working documents in our context) except those relating to social and development issues, and other amendments to exempt the names of civil servants involved in decision making.
This blog gives some background from the perspective of an experienced civil servant.
You may, or may not wish to sign up for the fast, but you should be aware of the strength of commitment of some in other parts of the world to transparency and accountability in government.
This blog takes an interest in issues associated with Freedom of Information (FOI) and privacy legislation in Australia. Information contained on this site is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Follow Peter Timmins on Twitter: @foiguru Follow the open government cause through the Australian Open Government Partnership Network. www.opengovernment.org.au and @opengovau
Thanks Peter for highlighting this issue on your blog. It is imperative that we speak up to the state jauggernaut across the globe, unless we wish to see ourselves crushed.
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
D