The responsibilities of agencies in the management of Freedom of Information (FOI) were outlined in Circular No. 93-2, 2 February, 1993. The circular refers to the importance of keeping FOI at the forefront of agencies' priorities and recommends the inclusion of 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 organisations 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.

In previous years the Premier's Department has used Timmins Consulting and Training courses on FOI and the following are available for the first half of 1998, though you may wish to take advantage of other courses offered in the market place.

Introductory Programs: 23 February and 25 May

Advanced Programs: 24 February and 26 May

Fees for attendance at the above Programs are $450 each or $810 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 the IPAA, continues to provide a regular assembly where those responsible for the 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 1998 will be 18 February, 20 May, 19 August, and 18 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 sub-department or authority coming within, or associated with, your administration.

C.Gellatly
Director General

superseded by M2007-11