The responsibilities of agencies for the management of Freedom of Information legislation were outlined in Circular No. 93-2 of 2nd February, 1993.

It is important that Chief Executives continue to focus on the administrative implications of this legislation by ensuring that Staff within their respective organisations are adequately briefed. and trained in relation to the responsibilities of agencies under the FOI Act. The publishing and reporting requirements of the Act and in particular the annual reporting of FOI statistics must be observed by agencies.

The Royal Institute of Public Administration Australia (RIPAA) has established a FOI Practitioner's Network which meets regularly to provide art 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 (02) 218 6632).

The Network's meetings for the remainder of 1995 will be 17 May, 16 August and 15 November. The meetings will commence at 9.30am for networking, and 10.00 am -12.30pm for discussions.. The venue up until May will be the Theatrette, Ground Floor, State Office Block, (Phillip Street entrance). Beyond May a definite venue has yet to be determined and further advice will be issued in this regard. Those responsible for FOI management are encouraged to attend.

Mr Peter Timmins; of Timmins Consulting Pty Ltd, conducts regular training courses on Freedom of Information and he has advised the following details in respect of courses available for the rest of the year. Additional programs and in-house courses can be arranged through Timmins Consulting.

For: Management and Application - 17 - 18 May

Two Day program primarily for those responsible for management of FOI function in departments, agencies, local government or other organisations covered by the Act.

$700 covers attendance, notes, lunch and morning and afternoon tea.

For: Decision Making and Interpretation - 23 March, and 7 June

One Day program primarily for senior officers and elected officials particularly those responsible for making decisions on applications under the FOI Act.

$380 covers attendance, notes, lunch and morning and afternoon tea.

Advanced Program - Subject to demand

Half Day program for those with a good knowledge of Freedom of Information issues who wish to examine more detailed issues of interpretation and decision making with particular attention to drafting notices of determination.

Course times: 8.30am, - 12.30pm. or 1.30pm - 5.30 pm.

Fee:

$250 covers attendance and notes.

You might care to take advantage of the Timmins' Courses or any others which may be available in the market place at any given time.

C. Gellatly
Director-General

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superseded by M2007-11