Information Policy and E-Governance in the Australian Government: Report
In February 2009, Dr Ian Reinecke, Principal, Strategies and Solutions Group was engaged by PM&C to provide specialist advice and report on information management issues, including information policy and e-governance.
The report was commissioned to provide:
- a review of current information activities and policy development across government;
- advice on how information policy and access to Commonwealth information could be better coordinated within Government; and
- advice on the role and responsibilities for the Information Commissioner as the chief executive of the proposed new statutory agency, the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC), within the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio including:
- how current information activities and policy development would interact with and relate to the role of the Information Commissioner;
- responsibilities in promoting accessibility and access to Commonwealth information through the proposed agency publication scheme, or other measures such as setting general information disclosure protocols, auditing information disclosure and oversighting e-governance protocols;
- ensuring effective open access to government information for re-use by business and the community.
The establishment of the OIC is a key element in implementing the Government’s FOI reforms. It also forms part of the Government’s agenda of restoring integrity and openness to government in a number of key areas including FOI by promoting a pro-disclosure culture across Government and building a stronger foundation for more openness in government.
Further information on draft Information Commissioner Bill 2009, which provides for the establishment of the OIC, and other FOI reforms is available on the FOI homepage under FOI reforms.
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