Ombudsman criticises state of secrecy: time Govt backed Greens FOI Bill

"The Greens bill, passed by the Upper House last week, will soon be introduced into the Legislative Assembly. This is the Premier's chance to transform NSW from Australia's poor cousin of FOI to a leading light of open government," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"The NSW Ombudsman's 2005/06 annual report, released today, is once again highly critical of NSW FOI laws.

"The Ombudsman says if the government doesn't review the laws, he will.  But he already has too much on his plate and reforming laws is a government's job.

"The Ombudsman's Annual Report hits the same notes on FOI as he has for over a decade * less and less information being released, long delays, unsubstantiated claims for exemptions, prohibitive fees and a high level of complaints to his office.

"This year the Ombudsman takes the unprecedented step of threatening to undertake his own review of NSW FOI laws, as done by his Victorian cousin, in frustration at government inaction. 

"The NSW government is now the worst offender in Australia for failing to release documents in full. 

"This is a damning report card which marks Morris Iemma as a Premier who is happy to allow secrecy creep in NSW.

"The Greens private member's bill recommends a comprehensive, independent review of NSW's 17 year old FOI laws by a body like the NSW Law Reform Commission. Public consultation is required before a report back to Parliament in 18 months.

 "Labor claims the Act is under constant review. But this is a Clayton's review process. There is no timeline, no call for public submissions and no public report or recommendations.

"The government also argues against a review because it is currently updating its FOI procedures manual. The manual is already 7 years overdue, showing what little regard the government really has for FOI laws," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568.