❓ This parliamentary question seeks information about the staffing and responsibilities of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Unit within the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC). The answer details the unit's expansion to support Ministerial offices in handling FOI requests, prompted by a review of FOI administration.
AnsweredQoN 7809Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
In relation to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Unit in the Department of Premier and Cabinet:
(a) how many officers work in this unit;
(b) what is the public sector level of each officer; and
(c) is the unit responsible for responses to FOI requests in areas not directly related to the Premier's Office and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and if so, what are those areas?
(a) how many officers work in this unit;
(b) what is the public sector level of each officer; and
(c) is the unit responsible for responses to FOI requests in areas not directly related to the Premier's Office and the Department of Premier and Cabinet, and if so, what are those areas?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 June 2012
Response time
42 days
(a-c)
The Administration of Freedom of Information In Western Australia - Comprehensive Report
(Report), a review by the Information Commissioner, dated 31 August 2010, arose from a commitment of the Liberal-National Government to review the manner in which Government Agencies are administrating the FOI process to ensure the Government is accountable and open in accordance with the spirit of the FOI Act.
The Report has recommended that:
"Ministers may wish to explore with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet the option of a more formal shared capability to assist their offices in dealing with FOI applications, noting that responsibility for decisions on access must remain with the relevant Minister."
The Report highlighted that Ministerial offices face particular challenges in complying with the FOI Act. These include:
Significant increase in FOI applications to Ministers by Members of Parliament since the 2008 election;
Limited capacity to absorb a spike in FOI workload;
Quality and consistency of Notices of Decisions; and
Staff turnover makes it difficult for Ministers to dedicate suitable and experienced staff to FOI matters.
As a result of the Report and the Liberal-National Government's commitment to an open and accountable government, the DPC FOI Unit was expanded to ensure that all Ministers have a high level of support and advice when dealing with FOI Applications.
There are five officers that work in the DPC FOI Unit; one x Level 6, two x Level 5, two x Level 3. An additional three FTEs have been allocated to the Department's FOI Unit to assist Ministerial offices deal with FOI applications. The additional resources were made available to Ministerial offices from the 23 January 2012.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
The Administration of Freedom of Information In Western Australia - Comprehensive Report
(Report), a review by the Information Commissioner, dated 31 August 2010, arose from a commitment of the Liberal-National Government to review the manner in which Government Agencies are administrating the FOI process to ensure the Government is accountable and open in accordance with the spirit of the FOI Act.
The Report has recommended that:
"Ministers may wish to explore with the Department of the Premier and Cabinet the option of a more formal shared capability to assist their offices in dealing with FOI applications, noting that responsibility for decisions on access must remain with the relevant Minister."
The Report highlighted that Ministerial offices face particular challenges in complying with the FOI Act. These include:
Significant increase in FOI applications to Ministers by Members of Parliament since the 2008 election;
Limited capacity to absorb a spike in FOI workload;
Quality and consistency of Notices of Decisions; and
Staff turnover makes it difficult for Ministers to dedicate suitable and experienced staff to FOI matters.
As a result of the Report and the Liberal-National Government's commitment to an open and accountable government, the DPC FOI Unit was expanded to ensure that all Ministers have a high level of support and advice when dealing with FOI Applications.
There are five officers that work in the DPC FOI Unit; one x Level 6, two x Level 5, two x Level 3. An additional three FTEs have been allocated to the Department's FOI Unit to assist Ministerial offices deal with FOI applications. The additional resources were made available to Ministerial offices from the 23 January 2012.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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