FOI delays outside the statutory 30-day period have doubled in the past 10 years, according to new research by the Centre for Public Integrity.<\/p>\n
As well as systemic delays, the research finds that FOI refusals have increased 50%, while requests granted in full have fallen 30%.<\/p>\n
The research finds:<\/p>\n
Bret Walker SC, one of the country\u2019s leading barristers, said \u201cWithout knowing about what government is doing, the idea of democracy is defeated.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe desire for secrecy has gone way beyond acceptable limits on the part of governments in this country. The supposed benefits of freedom of information legislation have nearly been destroyed by recalcitrant administrators and counterproductive exemptions,\u201d said Mr Walker.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe public has a right to know information pertaining to public administration,\u201d said Geoffrey Watson SC, a director of the Centre for Public Integrity.<\/p>\n
\u201cFOI is an important aspect of our democracy. Without transparency of information, a culture of secrecy and corruption can flourish,\u201d said Mr Watson<\/p>\n
\u201cThe system is broken. Delays and refusals to give information are on the rise, leaving the public in the dark about important government business. We need to increase staffing and resourcing of the Information Commissioner, and implement sanctions against officers in contempt of the FOI Act,\u201d said Mr Watson.<\/p>\n