Information Commissioner, Catherine Fletcher has recognised the timely access to information shown between the Government and community during the COVID pandemic crisis as the kind of relationship that should exist between Governments and their communities continuously.
In a joint statement with the Director of State Records, Damian Shepherd, Ms Fletcher said this was a truth that had been proved time and again around the world.
“The Governments that have been proactive in sharing information with the people they serve have been the most successful in responding to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic,” Ms Fletcher said.
“Trust is hard earned and easily lost, so it is imperative that as Public Servants we continue to manage our information assets well and share information as openly as possible.”
She said every PS officer should be aware of and consider their responsibilities in creating information (including data and other records of information) and ensuring that the information was appropriately accessible into the future.
Noting that May is Information Awareness Month, Ms Fletcher said it was an ideal time to learn and discover more about how the public sector can adapt to the challenge of managing a growing range and volume of information, and build its information management capabilities.
“We encourage you attend events during Information Awareness Month in May,” she said.
The full range of events and activities taking place during Information Awareness Month can be accessed at this PS News link.
