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The Demise of FoI in New South Wales
Bruce Smith
This article attempts to demonstrate the current deficiencies of NSW
FoI legislation, in terms of access to information under the Act, annual
reporting procedures and whistleblower legislation. An author survey of
the NSW Department annual reports for 1992-93 revealed some interesting
results, in that only 5 out of the 16 agencies surveyed complied with the
statistical reporting requirements in full. The NSW's Ombudsman's role
in relation to FoI is discussed and results are tabulated as to the handling
of FoI complaints by the NSW Ombudsman between 1989-1993. A case study
involving whistleblowers and the 1992-93 Annual Report of the State Rail
Authority is discussed as a further indication that the objectives of FoI
in NSW are failing.
The Silent Strangling of Freedom of Information
Lyn Dunlevy
This article looks at the parliamentary process relating to amendments
to the Victorian FoI Act in May 1993. It discusses Mr Birrells (as Opposition
spokesman on FoI) role in attempting to prevent the extension of the FoI
Act's exemption rule for cabinet documents. Other amendments are discussed,
such as those relating to the cost of requests and the lifting of the exemption
for MP's for FoI charges. Further, the attempts by the new Opposition spokesman
on FoI, Mr John Thwaites to uncover the reasons behind major government
decisions, possible breaches of regulations and funding cuts to government
services are documented.