'Keeping the bastards honest - the Tasmanian media and FOI.'

H. Townley

1993 (Tas) 3 AAL

This paper argues that the media has a crucial role to play in the success of FOI both by ensuring public awareness of the legislation, and by using FOI to render its role as democratic watchdog more effective. The study was based on interviews with Tasmanian journalists approximately five months after the Act commenced operation. The results suggest that at that time the majority of journalists had failed to use, and thus publicise the FOI Act. The reasons for this lack of use are analysed, and include time constraints, and a lack of appropriate issues. The paper argues that if increased media use and coverage is not forthcoming, then in the absence of some additional governmental publicity, it is unlikely that the FOI Act will achieve its aim of improving democratic government in Tasmania.