You will have now received copies of Memorandum to Ministers No. 93-4 about a recently published regulation on the reporting requirements for F.O.I.

Freedom of Information is still an important initiative and needs to be kept at the forefront of agencies' awareness and priorities - particularly since a recent amendment to the Act has reduced the time for making a determination on an FOI application from 45 days to 21 days.

Accordingly, would you please review the current situation within your administration to ensure that your staff are adequately trained and/or briefed on FOI. I have arranged for the provision of future training courses to be co-ordinated by my Department. The following programs have been conducted since the introduction of FOI:

Briefing for Senior and Middle Managers: "What Managers need to know about FOI and how to make decisions on applications".

FOI Administration: "The FOI Co-ordinator: Managing the FOI function - for those involved in full-time or part-time administration of the Act".

Lawyers: "An introduction to FOI for lawyers".

Would you please advise Mr George Daubeny, Projects and Management Services Division by 12th March, 1993 of your requirements for these programs or any other training needs you may have regarding Freedom of Information.

On a more general note, it is important that agencies' induction programs include cover of the basic principles of the FOI legislation - consideration should also be given to widening all training programs to ensure that all employees have a general awareness of FOI.

While the responsibility for the effective operation of FOI in an agency lies with the management of that agency, the Premier's Department fulfils a role as a central contact point for advice, guidance and information. In this regard any enquiries can be directed to Mr Daubeny, on telephone 228-4441 (Fax No: 228-5249).

The Royal Institute of Public Administration Australia (RIPAA) has established an FOI Network which meets regularly to provide an opportunity for those involved in FOI administration to exchange views and update their knowledge and skills. Enquiries about these activities can be addressed to Mr Phillip Youngman (Telephone: 218-6632). The Network's meetings for 1993 will be 17 February, 19 May, 18 August, and 17 November from 10.00 am - 12.30 pm at the Goodsell Building, Hunter and Elizabeth Streets, Sydney. Those responsible for FOI management are encouraged to attend.

Please bring these matters to the attention of your department and any subdepartment or authority coming within, or associated with, your administration.

R. G. Humphry,
Director-General.

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superseded by M2007-11