The Herald Sun reports that the Victorian Government has announced details of reforms to Freedom of Information legislation including the abolition of an application fee and withdrawal of powers to issue conclusive certificates (which may have never been used). But it will be a couple of steps forward and a big retrograde move if, as reported government departments are to be given an extra 30 days to process applications.
Victoria already has the longest Australian statutory time frame for dealing with FOI applications - 45 days. NSW is at the other end of the spectrum - 21 days plus 14 days in specified circumstances.
Where is the efficiency dividend for FOI applicants from the millions that have been spent on government IT if an agency in Victoria has 75 days to respond to an application?
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
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