The responsibilities of agencies for the management of Freedom of Information legislation were outlined in Circular No. 1993-02 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 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 (02) 218 6632).

Mr Peter Timmins of Timmins Consultants Pty Ltd, regularly conducts 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 Consultants.

Introductory Program - 5 March or 16 April.

Fee: $395 covers attendance and notes.

One Day program providing an overview of issues involved in administering the Act and aimed chiefly at those persons who have not previously undertaken FOI training and who may be responsible for either managing the FOI function in agencies and/or responsible for making decisions on applications under the Act.

Advanced Program - 6 March or 17 April.

Fee: $395 covers attendance and notes.

One 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. Conducted jointly with John Withington formerly the Government's senior legal adviser on FOI matters in his capacity of Deputy Crown Solicitor.

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

(K.P. Baxter)
Director-General.

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superseded by M2007-11