New FOI laws pass: govt hides juvenile justice report

Greens MP and justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today called on the Premier to immediately release the juvenile justice report that the government has marked 'cabinet-in-confidence' to avoid embarrassment.

"The news the government is hiding this report is a very poor omen for NSW's brand new freedom of information laws. It suggests the culture of secrecy characterised by NSW Labor is set to continue," Ms Rhiannon said ('Juvenile Justice report declared a state secret', p. 3, SMH).

The Open Government Information Bill was passed this morning. The Ombudsman's recommendation that parliament be subject to the new laws was not adopted.

"The government has used the old 'wheelbarrow' trick - taking a document into Cabinet to try take advantage of FOI exemptions which then allow the report to be buried.

"This important research report by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research should be in the public arena. The juvenile justice system involves real people and it is irresponsible to cover up what is happening to young lives within it.

"This is the first time in 21 years a BOCSAR report has not been released. It is hypocritical of the government to trumpet BOCSAR findings when it suits it and bury them when it does not.

"The government refused to support Greens amendments to the new FOI laws that sought to narrow the definition of cabinet information to avoid this kind of situation and to subject requests for cabinet documents to a public interest test.

"The Ombudsman's recommendation that the Premier identify cabinet material that can be proactively released on a regular basis is still under consideration by government.

"The Premier should release this hidden report today. If he doesn't, the government's talk of a new era of FOI co-operation and open government rings hollow," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
The article: http://www.smh.com.au/national/juvenile-justice-report-declared-a-state-secret-