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Agency Responses & Open Letters
There are many aspects to the way NSW government agencies respond to a valid request for government information.
Sometimes it may simply depend on the individual personality of the employee processing the request. A person easily influenced by cultural norms that would not be acceptable outside of any contemporary democratic organisation or private company could be expected to make decisions that fail to align with the public's expectations and are therefore outside the parameters of the legislation.
Alternatively, an organisation that promotes equality, respect for the public it serves, has a strong customer service focus, and does not resent the public's legislated rights to access government information, would be one that generates a culture of openness and transparency, and a willingness to ensure the public's rights are at the forefront of any associated departmental decisions.
For example, a recent interaction between NSW Freedom of Information's Telina Webb and the Venues NSW Right to Information Officer concerning an inquiry from the public, made clear the philosophy of Venues NSW was one of openness, transparency, and community cooperation. We are always on the lookout for GIPA and PPIP Stars!
NSW Freedom of Information sees such publications crucial to the public's greater understanding of the mindset of agencies and what to expect of Right to Information Officers in the context of accessing government information and seeking a review within the NCAT arena, particularly as the general public are currently excluded from participating in any GIPA training whatseover.
These examples are published in order to educate the public about what to expect from NSW government agencies who work very hard to keep a tight hold on government information.
This page concerns both publishing Agency Responses to enquiries and petitions generally, and Open Letters to agencies in a broader context. Open Letters point directly to issues the public expects to be rectified without the need for lengthy inquiries, litigation, or formal Parliamentary Intervention.
If you have an issue you would like presented to a NSW Government agency in the context of particularly GIPA, please complete the form below or contact Telina directly at info@nswfreedomofinformtion.net.