Fresh start for NSW Government - a new era of openness?

The NSW Labor Government, returned to office in Saturday's election, says it has a "mandate with a message" - that the people expect more and better of it.

The Premier made a point throughout the campaign that the Government was listening to the people, so the big question now is what did it hear, and what will it do in response? Secrecy in government came in for a mention in the editorials of both Sydney papers on election eve.

A democratic election is a central component of accountability, but a good government will be committed to transparency, responsibility and accountability throughout its term of office. The Premier is on the record with a "we support Freedom of Information" comment.

There will still be some independent and third party voices in both houses of Parliament who will remind the Premier of the importance of these principles.