The ACT Ombudsman has published draft guidelines for Directorates and Agencies, setting out their obligations under the new Freedom of Information rules.
The Ombudsman, Michael Manthorpe said the guidelines would help ensure Government entities complied with the new laws under the Freedom of Information Act 2016 (FOI).
Mr Manthorpe said two draft guidelines for Agencies on implementation of the FOI Act had already been finalised and were now available.
He said the available guidelines addressed open access information as well as informal requests for Government information.
“Another four guidelines on the FOI Act will be published in 2019,” Mr Manthorpe said.
He said the next four guidelines would address public interest considerations; processing access applications; amending personal information; and reviews and complaints.
He said freedom of information forums had been used to consult on the development of the Ombudsman FOI Guidelines.
“Throughout the year the Office holds forums for FOI officers working in ACT Government agencies,” Mr Manthorpe said.
“These forums provide FOI officers with guidance on how to implement the FOI Act,” he said.
“At the forums you will hear presentations from FOI experts and learn from their experiences.”
The Ombudsman’s 33-page guideline for Open Access Information can be accessed at this PS News link and his 22-page guideline for Informal Requests for Government information, at this link.
