The Australian Government FOI statistics dashboard gives access to data from all FOI reports. Photo: File.
Freedom of Information data from the past five years will become more easily available, with the public now able to better access statistics from reports.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has launched a new statistics dashboard that improves public access to data about the operation of Australia’s FOI system.
The dashboard presents key FOI data reported to the OAIC by Australian Government agencies and ministers, updated quarterly.
It has been created to help government, agencies, media and the public better understand the volume and type of FOI requests received and how well agencies are meeting their obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
Known as the Australian Government FOI statistics dashboard, it presents key FOI data over the past five years, as reported by government agencies and ministers.
The dashboard is an interactive presentation of data published in the OAIC’s annual reports and on data.gov.au.
Agencies and ministers are responsible for the reliability and quality of their data contained in the dashboard.
For ministers’ data, the statistics relate to the ministerial position and do not distinguish between individuals occupying the role.
“The public’s ability to access government information, including through an effective FOI system, is critical to a healthy democracy,” Australia’s Freedom of Information Commissioner Toni Pirani said.
“This new tool will allow the Australian community to see, at the touch of a button, the overall performance of the FOI system and each agency over a five-year period.
“By making this data easier to access, analyse and benchmark, we hope to identify opportunities to improve FOI practices and the system overall.”
The OAIC is an independent statutory agency established to promote and uphold privacy and information access rights. It has a range of regulatory responsibilities and powers under the FOI Act and the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010.
On Monday (13 January), the OAIC published a report and blog by Commissioner Pirani with the results of a survey of FOI practitioners.
The survey findings provide insights into how Federal Government agencies are approaching FOI, ways the environment is changing and the needs of FOI practitioners.
Findings show that only 29 per cent of agencies have an integrated records management system.
It also shows that only 22 per cent have comprehensive document management policies covering all forms of records, including messaging services such as WhatsApp.
While 26 per cent use a case management system to manage and report on FOI requests, the majority (63 per cent) use a basic spreadsheet or other static record.
As a result of the survey, the OAIC says there are key considerations for agencies that will make complying with FOI obligations easier.
These include improving systems and policies, such as using an integrated records management system and having a comprehensive document management policy.
Expanding and formalising training offerings and programs will help agencies ensure staff are well equipped to meet FOI obligations, the OAIC says.
And the support of leadership and agency-wide understanding and coordination of the FOI request process and proactive release obligations are critical to success.
The dashboard and FOI practitioners’ survey align with OAIC focus areas of promoting open government to better serve the Australian community; increasing the OAIC’s FOI regulatory and case management effectiveness; uplifting agency FOI culture and capability; and making FoI compliance easier.
“The OAIC is committed to facilitating open and transparent access to data, improving outcomes and educating all stakeholders about the operation of Australia’s FOI system,” Ms Pirani said.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Riotact.
