The responsibilities of agencies for the management of Freedom of Information (FOI) were outlined in Circular No. 93-2 of 2nd February, 1993. The Circular refers to the importance of keeping FOI to the forefront of agencies' priorities and recommends the inclusion of the basic principles of FOI legislation in induction programs as well as other agency training programs, to ensure all employees have a general awareness of FOI.

In addition to the publishing and reporting requirements of the FOI Act (and particularly the annual reporting of FOI statistics), it is important that Chief Executives continue to ensure that staff responsible for managing the FOI function within their organizations are adequately informed and trained in relation to the entire range of responsibilities under the FOI Act.

FOI training courses coordinated by the Premier's Department and attendance at quarterly meetings of the FOI Practitioner's Network will assist agency staff whose area of administration includes FOI.

Timmins Consulting and Training regularly conducts training courses on FOI and the following courses are available for the remainder of 1997:

Introductory Programs: 13 August and 7 October

Advanced Programs: 14 August and 8 October

Fees for attendance at the above Programs are $420 each or $750 if booked together. The fees cover notes, a copy of the Act, lunch and morning and afternoon teas. In house courses can be arranged by contacting Timmins Consulting.

The FOI Practitioner's Network, formed in 1993 under the auspices of IPAA, continues to provide a regular assembly where those responsible for FOI management can meet to discuss issues, exchange views and enhance their knowledge in the practice of the Act; a guest speaker prominent in government administration is also a regular feature of this forum.

The Network's meetings for the remainder of 1997 will be 20 August and 19 November in the Parliament House Theatrette commencing at 9:30 am through to 12:30 pm. Enquiries concerning the activities of the Network can be made to the Chairperson, Mr Phillip Youngman on telephone (02) 9218 3529.

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

C. Gellatly
Director-General

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superseded by M2007-11