Andrews breaks promise on FOI transparency

Shadow Attorney General John Pesutto:

The facts:

Before the election, Daniel Andrews announced that Labor would: “make it quicker and easier for Victorians” to secure freedom of information applications.

He said: “no more hiding, no more excuses.” Source: media release, 9 October 2014

The Coalition currently has over 100 freedom of information applications lodged with the Andrews Government.  More than half of these are overdue.

No detailed explanation has been provided by the Andrews Government on the reasons behind the sudden resignation of the state’s FOI Commissioner. There is still no replacement.

Nearly nine months since coming to office, there is still no legislation for Daniel Andrews’ talked about reforms.  The government has admitted no legislation is likely this year.

Comments from the Shadow Attorney General John Pesutto:

“Daniel Andrews is failing to live up to the promises he made before the election about making it faster and easier for Victorians to secure government information.

“All the talk Daniel Andrews made about transparency in government is coming back to bite him.

“Once again we are seeing Daniel Andrews say one thing before the election and do something else completely different since coming to office.”

Media contact:  John Deller on 0400 496 596 or john.deller@opposition.vic.gov.au