Tasmania has a new Premier-but, mind you, it's nothing to do with "shreddergate" or other governance related recent scandals. Just before Premier Lennon took the great leap forward, the Ombudsman joined Rick Snell and Australia's Right to Know on ABC TV's Stateline last Friday in calling for a review of the state's Freedom of Information Act.The Ombudsman says he's willing, but does not have the resources to do the job. There is a great opportunity for the new Premier to draw a line in the sand on openness and transparency. Will he go where his predecessors have failed to tread?
Postscript: in an initiative that signals "I'm not Paul Lennon", ABC reports that Premier Bartlett's "first act as Premier has been to establish a Parliamentary committee to look into a body to examine the ethical conduct, standards and integrity of politicians and the public service in Tasmania. The joint select committee will be asked to look at mechanisms to promote ethical and open governments. He says the move can restore trust in the 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
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