Staff from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) are to join Australian States and Territories in marking the United Nations’ 2021 International Access to Information Day this month on 28 September.
According to Australian Information Commissioner and Privacy Commissioner, Angelene Falk, the event recognises the importance of the community’s right to access information held by Governments around the globe.
Ms Falk said the day’s theme this year, Open by design, highlighted the need for Governments to consider how they would make information accessible from the start in policy development, projects and service delivery, and release information proactively.
“This includes information that is commonly sought or identified as valuable or necessary for open and accountable Government,” Ms Falk said.
“The event also promotes the value of access to information in fostering innovation and helping everyone participate in our democracy.”
She said the OAIC’s campaign website was now live and featured a range of resources and events to support a greater understanding of information access rights and responsibilities.
“We’ve also created a toolkit to help Australian Government Agencies mark International Access to Information Day which will be distributed in the coming days through our Information Contact Officers Network (ICON),” Ms Falk said.
“The OAIC will host an information session for ICON members on 27 September at which I will give an address, as well as an address by an international guest speaker.”
She said Acting Commissioner for Freedom of Information, Elizabeth Hampton would also lead a discussion on information access through times of heightened activity and significant public scrutiny.
This event is limited to representatives of Government Agencies and Ministers.
Further information about the Access to Information Day can be accessed on the OAIC website at this PS News link.
