A parliamentary question probes the Minister for Transport's awareness of the Freedom of Information Act and challenges the practice of directing parliamentary inquiries to FOI requests. The question implies a lack of government transparency.

AnsweredQoN 180Legislative Council
Asked
13 June 2013
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT — FREEDOM OF
INFORMATION ACT 1992
180. Hon KEN TRAVERS to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Transport:
(1) Is the
Minister for Transport aware of section 3 of the Freedom of Information Act
1992, which outlines the objects of the act, and in particular subsection (3),
which states —
 Nothing in this Act is intended to prevent or
discourage the publication of information, or the giving of access to documents
(including documents containing exempt matter), or the amendment of personal
information, otherwise than under this Act if that can properly be done or is
permitted or required by law to be done.
(2) If the
minister is aware of this section, can he explain why he will not provide
information in answer to parliamentary questions but, rather, suggests that members
seek it under freedom of information?
(3) Is this
another example of the Barnett government refusing to be open and accountable?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of this question.
(1)–(3)
The minister is aware of the Freedom of Information Act and the important role
it plays in keeping government open and accountable.

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