The Annual report of OmbudsmanSA has revealed it received a record number of requests to review Agency Freedom of Information (FOI) determinations during the past financial year.
In his Annual Report 2020-21, Ombudsman Wayne Lines (pictured) reported that external requests to review Agency determinations under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 increased dramatically from 278 in 2019-20 to 359 in 2020-21; a rise of 31% on the previous year.
Mr Lines said Members of Parliament made frequent use of the Office’s external review function, accounting for 34% (121 of 359) of the requests received.
“It is pleasing to see that despite the dramatic increase in requests received and the record number of formal determinations issued, the average time taken to complete an external review reduced by seven weeks: from 194 days in 2019-20 to 153 days in 2020-21,” he said.
Mr Lines said there was a slight increase in requests for advice sought about FOI processes and complaints about Agencies’ practices and procedures.
“Delays by Agencies determining applications and communicating appropriately with applicants are common causes of frustration for complainants,” he said.
“The average time for completing complaints improved from 186 days in 2019-20 to 98 days this year.”
The Ombudsman also reported that his Office responded to 3,780 complaints about State and Local Government.
The Annual Report showed the Ombudsman issued 32 final investigation reports, dealt with 31 matters involving allegations of misconduct and maladministration on referral from the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, and made 86 recommendations to Agencies.
The Ombudsman’s 71-page Annual Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
