NSW Dept of Communities & Justice, Open Government Information & Privacy Unit Reveals
Delays in Processing Requests for Information up to Six Months, 12.10.2023
Documents viewed by NSW Freedom of Information record unacceptable delays within NSW government departments when responding to valid access applications from the public.
A member of the public seeking access to historical records held by the NSW Dept of Communities & Justice (Justice NSW) has disclosed receipt of a formal notification with an anticipated wait-time up to six months, to 08th March 2024.
Justice NSW informed the Access Applicant (who has chosen to remain anonymous at the date of publication) QUOTE “Regrettably the department is currently experiencing significant delays associated with an increased demand by the public for information held by the Department, therefore we propose to extend the due date to 08/03/2024. We may require additional time……….” UNQUOTE.
The author of the notification one paralegal Ms Diana Halder, further stated within the same document that “the due date may be extended……..”.
“This is an extraordinary revelation by the Open Government, Information & Privacy Unit (OGIPU) of the state’s Justice Department, one which is headed by an ex-NSW Police Superintendent. That individual Ms Jodie Cobbin, Director OGIPU, transitioned into the role in 2016 from Police Superintendent Commander, has also occupied roles as police prosecutor and covert operations. Any reasonable person would agree Ms Cobbin is fully fluent in administration requirements, and would also agree she would be expected to be able to meet legislative timeframes ensuring her departmental statutory obligations,” stated Telina Webb of NSW Freedom of Information.
The subject Access Application seeing the six-month time frame for processing was lodged by a grieving mother who lost a son to drowning under suspicious circumstances.
The Access Applicant requested access to Court files which are suspected to contain a number of false and misleading documents designed to sway the Court’s decision in a particular matter of significant financial benefit.
The Access Applicant and her family have endeavoured to exercise legally enforceable rights under the current GIPA Act 2009, the enabling legislation, noting there are no confidentiality orders impeding access to the files.
The family will await the outcome of their valid access application at which time will be shared as a matter of public interest. Contact: Jodie Cobbin, Director Open Government Information & Privacy Unit jodie.cobbin@justice.nsw.gov.au
A member of the public seeking access to historical records held by the NSW Dept of Communities & Justice (Justice NSW) has disclosed receipt of a formal notification with an anticipated wait-time up to six months, to 08th March 2024.
Justice NSW informed the Access Applicant (who has chosen to remain anonymous at the date of publication) QUOTE “Regrettably the department is currently experiencing significant delays associated with an increased demand by the public for information held by the Department, therefore we propose to extend the due date to 08/03/2024. We may require additional time……….” UNQUOTE.
The author of the notification one paralegal Ms Diana Halder, further stated within the same document that “the due date may be extended……..”.
“This is an extraordinary revelation by the Open Government, Information & Privacy Unit (OGIPU) of the state’s Justice Department, one which is headed by an ex-NSW Police Superintendent. That individual Ms Jodie Cobbin, Director OGIPU, transitioned into the role in 2016 from Police Superintendent Commander, has also occupied roles as police prosecutor and covert operations. Any reasonable person would agree Ms Cobbin is fully fluent in administration requirements, and would also agree she would be expected to be able to meet legislative timeframes ensuring her departmental statutory obligations,” stated Telina Webb of NSW Freedom of Information.
The subject Access Application seeing the six-month time frame for processing was lodged by a grieving mother who lost a son to drowning under suspicious circumstances.
The Access Applicant requested access to Court files which are suspected to contain a number of false and misleading documents designed to sway the Court’s decision in a particular matter of significant financial benefit.
The Access Applicant and her family have endeavoured to exercise legally enforceable rights under the current GIPA Act 2009, the enabling legislation, noting there are no confidentiality orders impeding access to the files.
The family will await the outcome of their valid access application at which time will be shared as a matter of public interest. Contact: Jodie Cobbin, Director Open Government Information & Privacy Unit jodie.cobbin@justice.nsw.gov.au