Media Release 9th December 2009

Have Your Say About Access to Official Information

“The Law Commission wants to hear views on access to official information. We want to know what works well and what doesn’t”, said Sir Geoffrey Palmer, President of the Law Commission.

The Commission is reviewing the Official Information Act 1982 and Parts 1 - 6 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Acts 1987 relating to official information.

“After some 25 years the legislation needs looking at again” said Sir Geoffrey. The political landscape is different than in the 1980s and advances in information technology have transformed the management of all information”.

The first stage of the review is a Survey now on the Commission’s TalkLaw website.

The Commission wants to hear from people who make requests for information as well as from officials who process these requests.

Sir Geoffrey said, “Freedom of information is a foundation of democracy all round the world and our legislation has been very successful in promoting a culture of open Government. This is not in question, but legislation and processes need to be updated to remain effective.

The Survey can be found on www.talklaw.co.nz/talkofficialinformation. Comments are sought by late January and can be submitted electronically or sent to PO Box 2590 Wellington 6011.

ENDS

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