Right to Information
In recent months, the Queensland Government has been introducing new systems and processes to make it easier for the general public to obtain information from government agencies. The Right to Information reforms aim to make more information available, provide equal access to information across all sectors of the community, and provide appropriate protection for individuals' privacy.
The new legislation which replaces the Freedom of Information Act 1992 came into effect on 1 July 2009:
- the Right to Information Act 2009 (PDF, 1MB)
- the Information Privacy Act 2009 (PDF, 1MB)
These new Acts were the result of a report of the Independent Panel on Freedom of Information, the Right to Information Report.
Sound recordkeeping practices are a fundamental component of effective information management within public authorities. Recordkeeping practices ensure decisions and actions are documented for business and accountability purposes.
Queensland State Archives
Queensland State Archives is responsible for administering the Public Records Act 2002 and for assisting more than 600 public authorities throughout the State to create, manage, store and preserve their public records for the benefit of all Queenslanders.
Recordkeeping Assessment Framework
Queensland State Archives has developed a Recordkeeping Assessment Framework to assist public authorities to meet their legislative and regulatory obligations. It includes strategies that link policies, guidelines and planning methodologies with practical approaches for achieving continuous improvement in recordkeeping practices and compliance. The Recordkeeping Assessment Framework is now available here.
Recordkeeping Awareness Program
Queensland State Archives has developed a multi-faceted Recordkeeping Awareness Program to inform employees across Queensland public authorities of the need for good recordkeeping practices to meet their legislative and regulatory obligations. The Queensland records - they all count program provides public authorities with posters, postcards and fact sheets to promote better recordkeeping. Visit the site to share your stories of good recordkeeping, and read what others are doing in their agencies. More information about the Recordkeeping Awareness Program can be found at www.recordstheyallcount.qld.gov.au
Recordkeeping Training Program
Queensland State Archives commissioned a Training Needs Analysis to determine the recordkeeping skills and knowledge required by staff within Queensland public authorities to meet their legislative and regulatory obligations and training priorities. The Queensland State Archives response to the Training Needs Analysis is available here.
Queensland State Archives is expanding its integrated recordkeeping training program available for Queensland public authorities in response to the findings of the Training Needs Analysis. The training program will build on online recordkeeping modules, forums and masterclasses already offered by Queensland State Archives.
Recordkeeping Information Standards
Queensland State Archives has reviewed the Recordkeeping Information Standards (IS40: Recordkeeping and IS31: Retention and Disposal of Public Records) and associated implementation advice. As part of this process IS41: Managing Technology-Dependent Records has been repealed and a new Guideline for Recordkeeping has been published.
The Glossary of Archival and Recordkeeping Terms and Plain English Guide to the Public Records Act 2002 have also been updated.
Right to Information - Useful links
- Premier's website on the Freedom of Information Review (includes audio and video of the Premier's announcements)
- Queensland Government Right to Information website Right to Information Applications Online
- Independent Review of Freedom of Information Report: Reviewing Australia's Freedom of Information Act (Solomon Report)
- The Right to Information - A response to the review of Queensland's Freedom of Information Act
- Office of the Information Commissioner
- Publications Schemes (provides links to each Departments' publications scheme
- Department of Public Works' Right to Information website
- Department of Public Works' Publication Scheme
Last Updated: Wednesday, 28 October 2009
