Australian Government agencies will be required to publish increased amounts of information on their websites under a number of alterations to existing freedom of information laws.

 

The new Information Publication Scheme (IPS) will require government agencies to publish additional information to ‘enhance participatory democracy by assisting the public to better understand how government makes decisions and administers programs’.

 

“A better informed community can participate more effectively in government processes, and contribute to better policy and decisions. Transparency in government also means people are less likely to be disadvantaged in their dealings with government through lack of knowledge or a misunderstanding of government processes,” Australian Information Commissioner, Professor John McMillan said.

 

Agencies will be required to publish information in ten separate categories , including information about the agency’s structure, functions and statutory appointments. Agencies must also publish ‘operational information’ that guides decisions affecting members of the public as well as information about how the public can comment on policy proposals.

 

Australia’s FOI Commissioner, Dr James Popple, noted that the new laws require Australian Government agencies and ministers to publish information that has been released in response to a freedom of information (FOI) access request. This information, known as a ‘disclosure log’ must be published within ten working days of giving the FOI applicant access to the information.

 

For more information about the IPS and disclosure log requirements, see www.oaic.gov.au