Has the new era of openness entered the FOI training room?

With the Federal, NSW, Tasmanian and Queensland governments all committed to greater transparency and to changing the culture within government regarding access to government information (with major changes to the law to follow sometime), you have to wonder what if any new messages are being given to new and old FOI hands in training programs in these jurisdictions? A thought prompted by indications in the Canberra Times Diary that the year is ending with a bang with the following Freedom of Information programs scheduled for next week. Do they kick off with an appearance by Senator Faulkner, a video of the Prime Minister talking about the new era of openness, or is this still premature?

"December 9 : Australian Government Solicitor Introduction to Freedom of Information for new or recently appointed FOI coordinators or contact officers; employees at all levels who are responsible for dealing with FOI requests or just need to be aware of FOI in the course of their duties should attend this full day training session. Inquiries to 62537126 or 62537436 or email cbrtraining@ags.gov.au

December 10: Australian Government Solicitor Key Exemptions in Practice This full day training is designed to significantly advance the knowledge and skills of FOI decision makers and practitioners in assessing whether documents ought to be exempt from release and is an advanced module of the Introduction to FOI training. Inquiries to 62537126 or 62537436 or email cbrtraining@ags.gov.au

December 11: Australian Government Solicitor Internal Working Documents For employees who have attended our Introduction to FOI course. FOI decision-makers, in particular, will benefit from attending this full day course which explores the coverage of section 36 of the FOI Act. Inquiries to 62537126 or 62537436 or email cbrtraining@ags.gov.au"