Information Commissioner

Data breaches are growing more common, and more damaging. While they are often seen as a data security problem, I would argue that this lets organisations off the hook for their poor data management practices. We always ask, “how did they get in?”, but never questions like, “why does this organisation still have this sensitive […]

The former senator is taking the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner to Federal Court over FOI delays.

The nation’s information commissioners are calling for consistent legislation to force governments and public bodies to proactively release information. 

The Department of the Environment and Energy has been in breach of the Freedom of Information Act for almost 10 months. That’s how long it’s been since it updated its disclosure log, where it is required to list FOI releases within 10 days of the applicant receiving them. Federal departments routinely fail to meet this requirement but, by volume, DEE is by far the most serious example of non-compliance.

South Australian Ombudsman Wayne Lines has expressed concern over the involvement of department chief executives and ministers in the Freedom of Information process, and has called for an Information Commissioner to be installed.

Queensland’s government agencies have helped strengthen community trust by releasing information to the public, according to the state’s Information Commissioner, Rachael Rangihaeata. A recent study found 87% of Queenslanders believe their right to access government-held information is important. The survey was conducted to measure community awareness of and experience with their right to access government […]

The Australian Information Commissioner has called for better staff training to prevent data breaches, following a new report.

Catherine Fletcher has been named Western Australia’s Information Commissioner for a five-year term commencing 16 July.

The WA government is being accused of taking the state back to the bad old days of corruption known as WA Inc. Archivists fear for the record-keeping standards that underpin accountability, but the legislative guarantee of an independent records authority remains in place.

Waiting until the last possible moment to act, the Attorney-General kicks the can down the road for a third time on the future of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

John McMillan is to take over from Bruce Barbour as NSW Ombudsman — but what impact this will have on the already embattled Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is unclear.