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 freedom of information (FOI) system.
The dashboard presents key FOI data reported to the OAIC by Australian Government agencies and ministers, updated on a quarterly basis. 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.
“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 has also today published a report and blog by Commissioner Pirani with the results of a survey of FOI practitioners.
The survey findings provide insights into how Australian Government agencies are approaching FOI, ways the environment is changing and the needs of FOI practitioners.
Findings include:
- Only 29% of agencies have an integrated records management system.
- Only 22% have comprehensive document management policies covering all forms of records, including messaging services like WhatsApp.
- While 26% use a case management system to manage and report on FOI requests, the majority (63%) use a basic spreadsheet or other static record.
Key considerations for agencies include:
- Improving systems and policies, such as using an integrated records management system and having a comprehensive document management policy, will make complying with FOI obligations easier.
- Expanding and formalising training offerings and programs will help agencies ensure staff are well-equipped to meet FOI obligations.
- 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
- 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,” said Commissioner Pirani.
Notes
- FOI legislation requires agencies to provide quarterly and annual FOI statistics to the OAIC.
- The dashboard is a new, interactive presentation of data published in the OAIC’s annual reports and on data.gov.au. It will be updated quarterly.
- Agencies and ministers are responsible for the reliability and quality of their data contained in the dashboard and questions about their data should be directed to them.
- For ministers’ data, the statistics relate to the ministerial position and do not distinguish between individuals occupying the role.
- The OAIC recently published statistics about its caseload of FOI reviews and complaints that will be updated quarterly.
