protecting your right to information and privacy - open … · 2013. 3. 1. · brisbane qld 4000 po...

Open government: valuing and respecting information rights and responsibilitiesANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010

Office of the Information CommissionerQueensland

The Office of the Information Commissioner acts consistently with the Queensland Government’s commitment to providing accessible services to Queenslanders from all culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. If you have difficulty in understanding the annual report, you can contact us on either (07) 3234 7373 or (07) 3005 7155 and we will arrange an interpreter to effectively communicate the report to you.

COPIES OF THIS REPORT ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE AT

www.oic.qld.gov.au/annual-reports

FURTHER COPIES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST TO

Office of the Information Commissioner

Tel: +61 7 3005 7155Fax: +61 7 3005 7150

Level 8, 160 Mary Street Brisbane Qld 4000

PO Box 10143 Brisbane Qld 4000

Email: [email protected]

ISBN: 978–0–646–54278–2

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© The State of Queensland (The Office of the Information Commissioner) 2010

ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010 OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER QUEENSLAND

Contents

LETTER TO SPEAKER 2

MESSAGE FROM THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER 3

OVERVIEW 4

a) Our Vision, Mission and Values 4b) The Year at a Glance 6

LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS/CHANGES 7

OUR ORGANISATION 8a) Organisational structure 8b) Our role 8c) Our Governance 9d) Who we are 9e) What we do 10f) Our services 10g) Corporate services 10h) Information and technology 10i) International travel 11j) Information systems and record keeping 11k) Consultants and contractors 11l) Human resource management 11m) Recruitment and selection 11n) Professional development 11o) In-house knowledge management system

and research resources 12p) Code of Conduct and Ethics

Implementation Statement 12q) Risk management 12r) Complaints management 12s) Recordkeeping 13t) Workplace health and safety 13u) Waste management 13v) Carbon emissions 13

w) Public interest disclosures 13x) Right to information 13y) Privacy policy 13z) Carers Charter 13

SERVICE DELIVERY 14

SERVICE 1: An independent, timely and fair review of decisions made under the Right to Information Act 2009 and the Information Privacy Act 2009 14

SERVICE 2: An independent and timely privacy complaint resolution service 20

SERVICE 3: Foster improvements in the quality of practice in Right to Information and Information Privacy in Queensland Government agencies 22

SERVICE 4: Promote the principles and practices of Right to Information and Information Privacy in the community and within Government 26

APPENDIX 28Category and No. of external review applications 28No of review applications received including ‘deemed decisions’ 28Profile of applicants making external review applications 29Applications received by agency profile 29Outcomes of reviews 2005–2010 30RTI Regulation reporting requirements not elsewhere captured within the Annual Report 30IP Regulation reporting requirements not elsewhere captured within the Annual Report 31Applications for external review 2009–2010 by respondent agency or Minister 32Outcomes of decisions 34

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 36

CHECKLIST - ANNUAL REPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 64

1

OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER QUEENSLAND ANNUAL REPORT 2009–20102 ANNUAL REPORT 2009–2010 OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER QUEENSLAND 3

10September2010

TheHonourableRJohnMickelMPSpeakeroftheLegislativeAssemblyParliamentHouseGeorgeStreetBRISBANEQ4000

DearMrSpeaker

IampleasedtopresenttheAnnualReport2009–2010fortheOfficeoftheInformationCommissionertotheQueenslandParliament.ThisreportisthefirstpreparedsincetheintroductionoftheRight to Information Act 2009andtheInformation Privacy Act 2009.

Thereportcontainsanaccountofourworkforthetwelvemonthsending30June2010andismadepursuanttosection184oftheRight to Information Act 2009andsection193oftheInformation Privacy Act 2009.Itreflectsourperformanceagainstourstrategicplanfor2009–2013.

IcertifythatthisAnnualReportcomplieswith:

■ theprescribedrequirementsoftheFinancial Accountability Act 2009andtheFinancial and Performance Management Standard 2009;and

■ thedetailedrequirementssetoutintheAnnual Report Requirements for Queensland Government Agencies.

Achecklistoutliningtheannualreportingrequirementscanbefoundatpage64ofthisannualreport.

Yourssincerely

JulieKinrossInformation Commissioner

TheRight to Information Act 2009 andInformation Privacy Act 2009 werepassedbyParliamenton2June2009andcommencedon1July2009.ThelegislationintroducedaneweraofinformationrightsandobligationsinQueensland.

ThestrengthenedregulatoryframeworksignificantlyenhancestheroleoftheInformationCommissionertomonitorandsupportthechangestotheFOIregime.Additionalfunctionsincludeissuingguidelines,educationandtraining,promotingawareness,performancemonitoringandreportingandcommentingonlegislationandadministrativechangestoimproverighttoinformationandprivacypractice,mediatingprivacycomplaintsanddecidingonwaiverormodificationoftheapplicationoftheprivacyprinciples.

ThisisthefirstreporttoParliamentontheperformanceofthesenewfunctionsbytheOffice.Itwasanexceptionalyear.OuraimistobetheQueenslandindependent,influentialandpracticalauthorityoninformationrightsandresponsibilities.TheOfficeworkedtoachievethisaimbytrainingover3500publicsectoremployees,answeringover4000enquiries,producingasuiteofguidelinesandholdingakeypromotionalevent.TheSolomonLecturewasputontotheQueenslandRighttoInformationcalendar.

The2009–2010yearwasalsoexceptionalforexternalreview.Externalreviewapplicationsincreasedonaverageby60%toarecordhighof439.TheincreasereflectslegislationchangesandcommunityconfidenceintheOffice.Arecord90%oftheapplicationswereresolvedearlywithouttheneedforaformaldecision.

Lastyearwereportedan18%increaseinapplicationsforexternalreview.Wemetthatincreaseindemandwitha34%improvementintimelinessthroughinvestmentincontinuousimprovement.Wewereuncertainastotheextenttheefficiencygainscouldbesustained.Thisyearwenotonlysustainedthoseimprovementsbutfoundanother34%.

Thestaffarerighttobeproudoftheirachievements.

JulieKinrossInformation Commissioner

Letter to Speaker Message from the Information Commissioner

OVERVIEW


Underthenewregulatoryframework,thegovernmenthasintroducedanewapproachtoinformationrights.Governmentinformationwillbereleasedadministrativelyasamatterofcourse,unlessthereisagoodreasonnotto,withapplicationsunderthelegislationbeingalastresort.

ItisParliament’sintentiontoemphasiseandpromotetherighttogovernmentinformationandtoprovidearightofaccesstopublicsectorinformationunless,onbalanceitiscontrarytothepublicinterest.

Accesstoinformationisapre-conditiontotransparency,accessibilityandresponsiveness.Webelievegreateraccesstoinformationcanleadtoaninformedcommunitywhichcanparticipateinandscrutinisegovernment,whichinturnwillfosteraqualitypublicserviceandaccountablegovernment,necessaryforconfidenceingovernment.

OurvisionisaninformedQueenslandthatvaluesandrespectsinformationrightsandresponsibilities.Ourmissionistoberecognisedasapractical,authoritativechampionofinformationrights.

Our Vision, Mission and Values

Ourvaluesare:

opennesstransparencyaccountabilityaccessibilityintegrityfairnessimpartialityequalitybeforethelaw

AninformedQueenslandthatvaluesandrespectsinformationrightsandresponsibilities

Anindependent,timelyandfairreviewofdecisionsmadeundertheRight to Information Act 2009andtheInformation Privacy Act 2009

Key Activity

Continue to develop alternative dispute resolution approaches and skills in external review

Improve quality resolution and decision making services by developing and maintaining comprehensive case and knowledge management system

Anindependentandtimelyprivacycomplaintresolutionservice

Key Activity

Establish an efficient privacy complaint handling function

Establish an efficient privacy conciliation service

Resolve privacy complaints

FosterimprovementsinthequalityofpracticeinRighttoInformationandInformationPrivacyinQueenslandGovernmentagencies

Key Activity

Develop a training strategy and deliver services aimed at encouraging an openness mindset and best practice in government agencies

Produce and provide tools and resources

Develop and implement a strategy to monitor, audit and report on agencies’ compliance with the legislation

Gather information, learn from cases and identify systematic issues and solutions

PromotetheprinciplesandpracticesofRighttoInformationandInformationPrivacyintheCommunityandwithinGovernment

Key Activity

Develop and implement a communications strategy that informs and educates agencies and the community about information rights and responsibilities

Increase agency and community awareness of our role and services

Champion Right to Information and Privacy best practice in agencies

Provide expert advice and assistance to the community and agencies through the enquiries service and the website

SERVICE1 SERVICE2 SERVICE3 SERVICE4


Legislative Developments/Changes

ThemostsignificantreformtoQueensland’sinformationrightsregimeinthepast18yearscameintoforceon1July2009withthecommencementoftheRight to Information Act 2009 (Qld)(RTIAct)andtheInformation Privacy Act 2009 (Qld)(IPAct).ThesetwoActsreplacedtheFreedom of Information Act 1992 (FOI)(repealed)andpromotesignificantchangestoaccesstogovernmentinformationandthewaygovernmentagenciesvalueandmanagetheirinformationassets.

TheRTIActnowrequiresagenciesto‘push’informationoutintothepublicspacethroughpublicationschemesandadministrativereleaseratherthanwaitforittobe‘pulled’outbythepublic.Asalastresort,theRTIActprovidesmembersofthepublicwithageneralrighttoaccesstoinformationheldbygovernmentagencies,includingdepartments,localgovernment,Ministers,publicauthoritiesandsomegovernmentownedcorporations.IfrequestedundertheRTIAct,accesstodocumentsmustbegivenunless,onbalance,itiscontrarytothepublicinterest.

PeoplecannowaccessoramendtheirownpersonalinformationundertheIPAct.Throughtheprivacyprinciples,theIPActalsosetsoutthewaysinwhichgovernmentagenciesinQueenslandmusthandlepersonalinformation.Allagenciestowhichtheprivacyprinciplesapply,withtheexceptionoflocalgovernment,havebeenboundbytheprivacyprinciplessince1July2009.LocalgovernmenthasbeenboundbytheaccessandamendmentprovisionsoftheIPActsincethedateofcommencement(1July2009);however,ithashadatransitionalperioduntil1July2010tobecomecompliantwiththeprivacyprinciplesandrelatedobligations.

2009–2010 AmendmentsDuring2009–2010theRTIActwasamendedbysevenActs.TwoofthoseActsalsoamendedtheIPAct.

TheState Penalties Enforcement and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2009 amendedboththeRTIActandtheIPActinanumberofways.Itconfirmedthatadecision-maker’spowertodealwithanaccessoramendmentapplicationtoanagencyorMinisterincludesthepowertodealwithanapplicationforinternalreviewarisingfromtheaccessoramendmentapplication(seesections30and31oftheRTIActandsections50and51oftheIPAct).ItclarifiedthatadecisionofanagencyorMinisterthatneitherconfirmsnordeniestheexistenceofadocumentamountstoadecisionrefusingaccesstoadocument,whichisadecisionreviewablebytheOffice(seesections55and206oftheRTIActandsections69and214oftheIPAct).ItalsolimitsthetypesofdocumentstheCommissionermustensurearenotdisclosedonexternalreviewtodocumentsthesubjectofthedecisionbeingreviewed,ratherthananydocumentprovidedtotheOfficeaspreviouslyprovided(seesection107oftheRTIActandsection120oftheIPAct).

TheCity Of Brisbane Act 2010 addedtwofurtherclassesof‘exemptinformation’toSchedule3oftheRTIAct.ThefirstnewclassofexemptinformationisinformationbroughtintoexistencefortheconsiderationbytheBrisbaneCityCouncil’sEstablishmentandCoordinationCommittee,wheredisclosureoftheinformationwouldrevealanyconsiderationofthecommitteeorwouldotherwiseprejudicetheconfidentialityofcommitteeconsiderationsoroperations.Informationdesignatedasexclusivelyexemptinformationunderthisnewsectionincludescommitteesubmissions,briefingnotes,agendas,notesofdiscussionsincommittee,minutesanddecisionsanddraftsofanyofthesedocuments(seenewSchedule3section4A).

Thesecondcategoryofexemptinformationaddedisinformationbroughtintoexistenceinthecourseofalocalgovernment’sbudgetaryprocesses(seenewSchedule3section4B).Ineachnewclassofexemptinformation,theinformationremainsexemptinformationfor10yearsanddoesnotapplytoinformationofficiallypublishedbydecisionofthecouncilorlocalgovernment.TheCity Of Brisbane Act 2010 alsoamendedtheIPActtoensurethatfromwhentheIPActcameintoeffectforlocalgovernmentson1July2010,theprivacyprincipleswouldnotapplytoanactorpracticeoflocalgovernmentwhichisnecessaryfortheperformanceofacontractenteredintobefore1July2010.ThischangereflectsthepositionofentitiestowhichtheIPActhasappliedsinceJuly2009.

TheAdoption Act 2009,theIntegrity Act 2009 andtheTransport (Rail Safety) Act 2010 ledtominoramendmentsreflectingsubstantivelyequivalentsectionsreferencedintherepealedlegislation.TheTransport and Other Legislation Amendment Act (No. 2) 2010 insertedanewchapterintotheRTIAct(Chapter8)whichprovidesthatQueenslandRailLimitedisanagencysubjecttotheRTIActuntilQRLimitedchangesownership.ThesamechapterdesignatesthattheRTIActdoesnotapplytoarailGovernmentOwnedCorporation(withinthemeaningoftheTransport Infrastructure Act 1994)oritssubsidiary,inrelationtofreightorinsuranceoperations,exceptsofarastheyrelatetocommunityserviceobligations.Similarly,theInfrastructure Investment (Asset Restructuring and Disposal) Act 2009amendedthelistofentitiestowhichtheRTIActdoesnotapplytoincludeadeclaredentityundertheInfrastructure Investment (Asset Restructuring and Disposal) Act 2009whosebusinesses,assetsandliabilitiesarebeingdisposedof(seeschedule2division2oftheRTIAct).

439

340

289264

342

307

2004–2005 2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010

Total number of applications received

The Year at a Glance

increase in external review applications received60%

improvement in the timeliness of external review34%

439applicationswerereceived.Thisfigurerepresentsa60%increaseovertheaverageofthepreviousthreeyears1

Followinganimprovementof34%lastyear,theOfficeimproveditstimelinessofexternalreviewby34%thisyear

TheOfficeachievedithighestrateofresolvingapplicationsduringtheyearbyresolving338priortoadecision

TheOfficedelivered77trainingsessionsto3594participantsand214awarenessactivitieswerealsoprovidedduringtheyear

ResponsiveagenciesagreedtheinformationandassistancetheyreceivedwheninteractingwiththeOfficein2009wasofahighstandard

Enquiriesarereceivedthroughmail,emailandtelephone.Allenquiriesreceivedarerespondedtoinatimelymanner

of applications resolved early91%

satisfaction rating for Office training delivered95%

satisfaction rating for information and assistance received98%

individual enquiries were received and provided with a response4042

A full set of performance data appears against the four key services identified in the Office’s strategic plan. Further details are provided in the appendix.

Information and Assistance Activities

Training and Awareness Activities

External Review

1 Adjusted for a reported one-off occurrence


a) Organisational structureTheRighttoInformationActprovidesforanInformationCommissionerwhoisanofficeroftheParliament,aRighttoInformationCommissioner,aPrivacyCommissionerandstaffoftheOfficeoftheInformationCommissioner.StaffareemployedunderthePublic Service Act 2008.

Diagram1atrightshowsthestructureoftheorganisation.

b) Our roleTheroleoftheInformationCommissioneristodoallthingsnecessaryorconvenienttobedoneinconnectionwiththeperformanceoftheCommissioner’sfunctionsundertheRTIandIPActs.ThefunctionsprovidethebasisfortheachievementoftheprimaryobjectsoftheRTIandIPActs:

■ arightofaccesstoinformationintheGovernment’spossessionorundertheGovernment’scontrolunless,onbalance,itiscontrarytothepublicinteresttogivetheaccess;and

■ inthecaseoftheIPAct,thefaircollectionandhandlinginthepublicsectorenvironmentofpersonalinformationandtherighttoaccessandamendmentofthatinformationunless,onbalance,itiscontrarytothepublicinterest.

ThefunctionsoftheOfficearedetailedunder(e)“Whatwedo”.

ThedecisionmakingpowersoftheOfficemakeitoneofthreetiersofreview.Onceanagencymakesanaccessorammendmentdecision,apersonaggrievedbyareviewabledecisionhasarightof‘internalreview’bytheagencyitself,thefirsttierofreview.Internalreviewisnowoptionalfortheapplicant.Ifapersonisaggrievedbytheinternalreviewdecision,thepersonmayapplytotheInformationCommissionerforanexternalreview,thesecondtierofreview.

IfapersonremainsaggrievedaftertheInformationCommissioner’sdecision,thepersonmayseekanorderofstatutoryreviewfromtheSupremeCourt,orappealtotheQueenslandCivilandAdministrativeTribunal(QCAT),thethirdtierofreview.

Apersonaggrievedbyanactorpracticeofanagencyinrelationtothepersonalinformationoftheindividualhasarighttomakeaprivacycomplainttothatagency.Ifapersonremainsaggrievedbytheagency’sresponse,thepersonmayrefertheircomplainttotheOfficeforresolutionthroughconciliationorrequestthecomplaintbereferredtoQCAT.

TheOffice’sresponsibilitiesincludemonitoringandreviewingover600agenciescapturedunderthenewlegislationfortheirimplementationoftherighttoinformationandinformationprivacyreforms.

TheOfficereportsagencyperformanceandcompliancetotheParliamentaryLaw,JusticeandSafetyCommittee.

ToassistagenciesmeettheirlegislativeobligationstheOfficeprovidesarangeofassistance,supportandtrainingservices.

TheOfficesupportsthepublicsector’scorporategovernanceandaccountabilityframework.TheOfficeplaysitspartinasystemthatsupportsacivildemocraticsocietybyimprovingthetransparencyandaccountabilityofgovernmentdecisionmakingandactivity.Therighttoinformationreformshaveincreasedtheaccessibilityofgovernmentinformationandtheresponsivenessofgovernmentservicestothecommunitywhileprotectingprivacyrights.

c) Our GovernanceTheInformationCommissionerisastatutoryofficeholderappointedbytheGovernorinCouncilundertheRTIActandisindependentofministerialcontrolintheexerciseoffunctionsunderthatActandtheIPAct.

ThesearrangementsallowthecommunitytohaveconfidencethattheroleoftheInformationCommissionerwillbecarriedoutindependently,fairlyandimpartially.

TheInformationCommissionerissupportedbytwootherstatutoryofficeholdersappointedbytheGovernor-in-Council:thePrivacyCommissionerandtheRighttoInformationCommissioner.

TheInformationCommissionerisaccountabletotheParliamentaryLaw,JusticeandSafetyCommitteeandmeetswiththeCommitteeduringthecourseoftheyeartodiscussissuessuchastheOffice’sactivities,workoutput,budget,annualreportandanyothersignificantissue.

InaccordancewiththeRight to Information Act 2009 theInformationCommissionerprovidesanannualreporttotheParliamentthroughtheSpeakerandParliamentaryCommittee.

WhiletheInformationCommissionerisindependentofMinisterialcontrol,s133oftheRTIActrequiresthateachyeartheInformationCommissionermustdevelop,adoptandsubmittotheMinisterabudgetfortheOfficenotlaterthanthedaytheMinisterdirects.RelatedkeyelementsofthegovernanceandaccountabilityframeworkincludetheServiceDeliveryStatementandEstimatesCommitteehearings.

NoseparatereportsonreviewsundertheRTIorIPActsweremadetotheParliamentaryLaw,JusticeandSafetyCommitteein2009–2010duetothenewnessofthefunctionsofmonitoringandreportingonagencies’performance.ReviewshavebeenundertakenandthesewillbereportedontotheCommitteewhenfinalised.

TheParliamentaryCommitteemayalsorequireareportonaparticularaspectoftheOffice’sperformance,butitcannotinvestigateparticularconductorreconsiderorreviewdecisionsinrelationtospecificinvestigationsorreviews.AnindependentstrategicreviewoftheOfficeisconductedatleasteveryfiveyears.

TheOffice’smanagementteamin2009–2010comprisedtheInformationCommissioner,theFirstAssistantInformationCommissionerandtheManager,CorporateandExecutiveServices.

WiththeappointmentoftheRTIandPrivacyCommissioners,therewillbeanexpandedmanagementteam.TheseniorleadershipgroupincludestheAssistantCommissionersandthePrincipalReviewOfficers.GiventhesizeoftheOffice,fortnightly‘allstaff’meetingsareheld.Thisisthemechanismthroughwhichstaffareconsultedandprovidedinformationonoperationalplanning,riskmanagement,workplacehealthandsafety,andwastemanagementissues.

During2009–2010,staffweredirectlyinvolvedinthereviewoftheStrategicandOperationalPlans,andweredirectlyconsultedaboutthemajorchangestotheOffice’sgoalsandperformancetargetsnecessitatedbytheRTIreforms.

InrelationtotrainingconductedbytheOffice,feedbackissoughtandactedupon.

Ourorganisationisstrengthenedbyfeedbackitreceivesfrompartiestoexternalreviewsandagenciesbeingreviewed.Feedbackisactivelysoughtfromthepartiesinvolvedthroughanumberofmechanismsincludingsurveys,dedicatedemailservicetheOffice’swebsiteandanexternal,client-basedreferencecommittee.

d) Who we areTheOfficeisastatutorybodyfortheFinancial Accountability Act 2009. TheOfficewasinitiallyestablishedundertheFreedom of Information Act 1992,aswasthestatutoryofficer,theInformationCommissioner,withaprincipalroleofreviewofagencydecisionswheretheapplicantwasdissatisfiedwiththeresponseandwhoremaineddissatisfiedafteraninternalreviewbythatagency.

ThecommencementofthenewActssawtheOfficeassume,inadditiontoexternalreview,functionsrelatedto:

■ reviewingandreportingonagencies’performanceandpersonalinformationhandlingpractices;

■ conciliatingprivacycomplaintsanddecisionsonapplicationsofwaiveroftheprivacyprinciples;

■ promotingawarenessofRTIandprivacy;and

■ undertakingresearchandcommentingonlegislationandadministrativechangestoimprovepractice.

Our Organisation

From left: Information Commissioner Julie Kinross, Acting First

Assistant Information Commissioner Ben Dalton, Privacy Commissioner

Linda Matthews and Manager Corporate and Executive Services

Michael Buckler (absent).

Information Commissioner

External Review

RTI Commissioner

2 x SO2 Asst Commissioner

AO8 Principal Review Officer

AO7 Senior Review Officer

5.8 x AO6 Review Officer

Corporate and Executive and Registry

AO8 Manager, Corp & Exec Services

0.5 AO6 Corp & Exec Support Officer

AO6 Office Manager (Registry)

2 x AO3 Business Support Officer (Registry)

Privacy

Privacy Commissioner

AO8 Principal Privacy Officer

AO7 Senior Privacy Officer

2 x AO6 Privacy Officer

Assistance and Monitoring (RTI and Privacy)

SO1 First Asst Commissioner

AO8 Manager Training and Stakeholder Relations

AO6 Communications and Stakeholder Relations Consultant

AO8 Manager, Information & Assistance

AO7 Senior Information & Assistance Officer

2 x AO6 Information & Assistance Officer

AO8 Manager, Performance Monitoring & Reporting

2 x A07 Senior Performance Monitoring and Reporting Officer

DIAGRAM 1. Structure of the organisation


e) What we doTheOfficeundertakesactivitiesinaccordancewithitsfunctions.

Inrelationtoexternalreview,activitiesinclude:

■ investigatingandreviewingdecisionsofagenciesandMinisters;and

■ investigatingandreviewingwhether,inrelationtothedecisions,agenciesandMinistershavetakenreasonablestepstoidentifyandlocatedocumentsappliedforbyapplicants.

Inrelationtodecisionmaking,theOfficedecides:

■ applicationsforextensionsoftime;

■ applicationsfromnon-profitorganisationsforfinancialhardshipstatus;and

■ makes,variesorrevokesdeclarationsregardingvexatiousapplicants.

Inrelationtoperformancemonitoringandreview,theOffice’sactivitiesinclude:

■ monitoring,auditingandreportingonagencies’compliance;

■ advisingtheParliamentaryCommitteeofthestatisticalinformationagenciesaretogivetheInformationCommissionerforreports;

■ publishingperformancestandardsandmeasuresforuseinreports;and

■ reportingabouttheoutcomeofperformanceandmonitoringreviewstotheParliamentaryCommittee.

ThefunctionsoftheOfficealsoincludeprovidinginformationandhelptoagenciesandmembersofthepubliconmattersrelevanttotheRTIAct,inparticular,by:

■ givingguidanceontheinterpretationandadministrationoftheAct;

■ givinginformationandhelptoagencies,applicantsandthirdparties;

■ promotinggreaterawarenessoftheoperationoftheActinthecommunityandwithingovernment,includingbyprovidingtrainingandeducativeprograms;

■ monitoringthewaythepublicinteresttestisappliedbyagenciesandonexternalreview;

■ consultingexpertsonitsapplicationandkeepingagenciesinformed;

■ commissioningexternalresearch,andconsultingexpertsonthedesignofsurveys,tomonitorwhethertheActanditsadministrationareachievingtheAct’sstatedobjectives;and

■ identifyingandcommentingonlegislativeandadministrativechangesthatwouldimprovetheadministrationoftheAct.

AsoutlinedintheIPAct,Officeactivitiesinrelationtoprivacycaninclude:

■ waivingormodifyingprivacyprinciplesobligations;

■ issuingcompliancenotices;and

■ administeringprivacycomplaints.

Performancemonitoringandsupportactivitiesinclude:

■ conductingreviewsintopersonalinformationhandlingpracticesofrelevantentities,includingtechnologies,programs,policiesandprocedures,toidentifyprivacyrelatedissuesofasystemicnaturegenerallyortoidentifyparticulargroundsfortheissueofcompliancenotices;

■ ifconsideredappropriate,reportingtotheSpeakeronthefindingsofanyreview;and

■ leadingtheimprovementofpublicsectorprivacyadministrationinQueenslandbytakingappropriateactionto:

(a) promoteunderstandingofandcompliancewiththeprivacyprinciples;

(b) providebestpracticeleadershipandadvice,includingbyprovidingadviceandassistancetorelevantentitiesontheinterpretationandadministrationofthisAct;

(c) conductcomplianceauditstoassessrelevantentities’compliancewiththeprivacyprinciples;

(d) initiateprivacyeducationandtraining,includingeducationandtrainingprogramstargetedatparticularaspectsofprivacyadministration,andeducationandtrainingprogramstopromotegreaterawarenessoftheoperationofthisActinthecommunityandwithinthepublicsectorenvironment;

(e) commentonanyissuesrelatingtotheadministrationofprivacyinthepublicsectorenvironment;

(f) issuingguidelinesaboutanymatterrelatingtotheInformationCommissioner’sfunctions,includingguidelinesonhowthisActshouldbeappliedandonprivacybestpracticegenerally;and

(g) supportingapplicantsofanytypeunderthisAct,andallrelevantentities.

f) Our servicesTheOfficehasfourservices:

■ anindependent,timelyandfairreviewofdecisionsmadeundertheRight to Information Act 2009 andtheInformation Privacy Act 2009;

■ anindependentandtimelyprivacycomplaintresolutionservice;

■ fosteringimprovementsinthequalityofpracticeinrighttoinformationandinformationprivacyinpublicsectoragencies;and

■ promotingtheprinciplesandpracticesofrighttoinformationandinformationprivacyinthecommunityandwithingovernment.

Theservicesandoutcomesareexplainedinmoredetailinasubsequentsection.

g) Corporate servicesIn2009–2010theOfficepurchasedcorporateservicesthroughaserviceagreementwiththeQueenslandParliamentaryServiceatacostof$202,094.Theseservicesincludedinformationcommunicationtechnologysystemsandsupport,humanresourcemanagementservicesandfinancialservicesfortheOfficeandtheImplementationTeamwhichceasedon30June2010.

h) Information and technologyTheinformationandcommunicationsystemssupporttheOfficeinmaintainingthenecessarysecurityofinformationconsideredduringanexternalreview.TheOfficehasaserviceagreementforinformationandcommunicationtechnologyserviceswiththeQueenslandParliamentaryService,whichprovideshighlevelsecurity.TheOfficehaspoliciesandnetworkprotocolsinplacetoprovideallOfficestaffwithclearguidelinesontheresponsibilitiesofeachindividualregardingethicalinformationmanagement,usageandaccessofsystemswithintheOffice.

i) International travelNooverseastravelwasundertakenbytheInformationCommissionerorstaffin2009–2010.

j) Information systems and record keepingIn2009–2010theOfficeoftheInformationCommissionerforecastitwouldcontinuetoimprovethequalityandtimelinessofdecisionmakingbyimprovingitscaseandknowledgemanagementsystems.ThereportingcapabilitywithintheOffice’scasemanagementsystemwascomprehensivelyreviewed.Asaresultoftheassessment,additionalfunctionalitywasbroughtonlinethatwillenabletheOfficetosystematicallyidentify,recordandanalysereasonsfordelayasareviewapplicationprogressesthroughdiscretestages.Theseimprovementsinclude:

■ theabilitytotrackstageswithinareview;

■ measuringtimeframesforeachstageofareview;

■ settingrealistictargettimeframesforeachstageofareview;and

■ recordingreasonsforthecausesofanydelayforastageorstages.

Theimprovementstothecasemanagementsystemwill:

■ enabletheOfficetodetermineissuescausingadelayandaccuratelytargeteffortstoremedythosecausesofdelay;

■ expandtheOffice’sreportingcapabilitiesinrelationtoaccuratelyestimatingandtrackingtimeframesforreviewaswellasotheradministrativereporting;

■ contributetoimprovedtimelinessinthedeliveryofadministrativefunctionsbecauseitautomatessomereportingwhichwasmanuallygenerated;and

■ informandsupportimprovementsinagencyrighttoinformationandinformationprivacypractices.

Theimprovedcasemanagementsystemwentliveon1July2010.

k) Consultants and contractorsIn2009–2010theOfficeoftheInformationCommissionerspent$263550oncontractors.Nofundswerespentonconsultants.Theexpenditureoncontractorswasplannedbudgetexpenditureandrelatedtoimplementationoftherighttoinformationreforms.Theexpenditurecovered:

■ righttoinformationimplementationcommunications;

■ workonthereviewoftheOffice’spositiondescriptions;

■ thecostsofatrainingcoursefacilitatortoensurethecapabilityofagencyrighttoinformationpractitionersunderthenewRTIandIPlegislation;

■ set-upcostsfortheOffice’sInformationandAssistanceService;

■ websiteupdates;

■ designanddeliveryofsurveyinstruments;

■ translationservices;

■ occupationalhealthandsafetyinstruction;and

■ costsassociatedwithdesignandfitoutfortheOfficerelocationinlate2010.

l) Human resource managementTheapprovedpermanentestablishmentat30June2010was32.3fulltimeequivalentstaff.Diagram1showstheorganisationalstructuretogetherwiththenumbersoffulltimeequivalentpositionsateachlevelat30June2010.During2009-2010theRTIImplementationTeam,whichinitiallycomprised10fulltimeequivalentstaff,wasgraduallydisbanded.Allpositionswithintheimplementationteamweretemporary.

m) Recruitment and selectionTheOfficeconductsrecruitmentandselectionprocessesinaccordancewiththemerit-basedrequirementsofthePublic Service Act 2008, therelevantPublicServiceCommissioner’spoliciesanddirectivesandtheIndustrialRelationsDirectives.

Duringtheyearthefollowingresignationsweretendered:

■ twoReviewOfficers;and

■ onePrivacyOfficer.

Thefollowingpositionswerepermanentlyappointed:

■ Manager,InformationandAssistance;

■ twoInformationandAssistanceOfficers;

■ Manager,PerformanceMonitoringandReporting;

■ SeniorPerformanceMonitoringandReportingOfficer;

■ Manager,TrainingandStakeholderRelations;

■ CommunicationsandStakeholderRelationsConsultant;

■ KnowledgeManager;

■ PrivacyCommissioner;

■ PrincipalPrivacyOfficer;

■ SeniorPrivacyOfficer;

■ twoPrivacyOfficers;

■ SeniorCorporateandExecutiveServicesOfficer;and

■ twoReviewOfficers.

n) Professional developmentAkeypriorityfortheOfficeistomaintainanenvironmentofcontinuedprofessionaldevelopmentandlearningthroughskilldevelopment,careerenhancementandsupportingacultureofongoinglearningthroughparticipationinuniversitycourses,mediationtraining,seminars,on-the-jobtrainingandmentoringbyexperiencedofficers.

During2009–2010theOfficeexpended$62000instaffprofessionaldevelopment,training,workshopsandpost-graduateuniversitystudies.Theannualexpenditureequatestoaround2.5%ofemployeesalariestodevelopnewskills,enhanceprofessionalqualificationsandimplementnewpoliciesandprocedureswithintheOffice.ThislevelofexpenditureisinkeepingwiththepercentageofsalariesrecommendedbythelastStrategicManagementReviewoftheOffice.Theprovisionofeffectivementoringandtrainingforreviewofficers,suchasinlegalresearch,informaldisputeresolutionanddecisionwritingskillsensuresallrelevantissuesareidentifiedandanalysedtocompletethereviewprocessinatimelyandprofessionalmanner.


During2009–2010Officestaffparticipatedinprofessionaldevelopmentinbothcoreskillsandinductionprograms.Thecoreskillsprogramincludedcaseloadmanagement,mediationandnegotiationskills,onlinelegalresearchskills,statutoryinterpretation,decisionmakingandproblemsolvingskills.

Inductionprogramswereconductedforallnewstaff.Trainingupdatescoveredprofessionaldutiesandresponsibilities,publicsectoremployeepoliciesandguidelines,theoperationoftheRTIandIPlegislation,onlinelegalresearchskills,informalresolutionskills,statutoryinterpretationanddecisionwritingskills.

Trainingforallrelevantstaffalsoincludedsecurityprotocolsandprocedures,useofthecasemanagementsystem,ergonomics,theOfficeCodeofConduct,theinformationtechnologyusagepolicyandnetworkcompliancerequirementsandtheuseofOfficetemplates.

StaffalsoparticipatedinprogramsrunthroughtheQueenslandUniversityofTechnology,FacultyofLawPublicLectureSeriesandtheQueenslandLawSocietyGovernmentLawyersconference,performancemonitoringandreview.

Inadditiontothecoreareasofnegotiation,decisionmakingandstatutoryinterpretation,areasforprofessionaldevelopmentfor2010–2011include:

■ LegalProfessionalPrivilege;

■ Intranetdesignanddevelopment;and

■ Websiteandsocialmediadesignanddevelopment.

0) In-house knowledge management system and research resourcesDuringtheyeartheOfficeimplementedaprojecttodevelopanintranetsitethathousestheOffice’sonlineresearchresources.

Annotatedlegislationwillformthecenterpieceofthenewsite.Itwillenablestafftoquicklyaccesstherelevantprecedentcasesandotherresourcematerialpertinenttotheinterpretationofaprovisioninthelegislation.

ThecollationoftheOffice’sresearchresourcesinoneplaceanddevelopingannotatedlegislationthatisreliableandcurrent,willimprovethequalityofdecisionmakingandguidelines.ItwillreduceduplicationinthelegalresearchundertakenwithintheOffice,enablestafftoefficientlyaccessandreferencerecentrelevantcasesandcontributetolegallyaccurateandconsistentdecisionmaking.

OvertimetheintranetwillfacilitateagreaterunderstandingoftheOffice’sinformationrequirementsandencourageinformationsharingandcommunitiesofpracticethroughtheprocessesof:

■ identifyingexistinginformationstoressourcedandmaintainedbyindividualstaff;

■ capturingexistingorganisationalknowledgeinacentrallocation;

■ managingthecurrencyoftheinformationwhereappropriate;

■ identifyinghowstaffaccessandusetheinformation,andwhichresourcesareusedmorefrequently;and

■ accommodatingtheevolvingknowledgerequirementsofusergroupswithintheOffice.

ThisgreaterunderstandingwillbeabletodrivefurtherefficienciesbyhelpingtheOfficetargetthemostrelevantresources,toolsandtrainingproductsforitsstaff.

p) Code of Conduct and Ethics Implementation StatementInaccordancewithsection17ofthePublic Sector Ethics Act 1994,theOfficeoftheInformationCommissionerhasinplaceaCodeofConductapprovedbytheformerAttorney-Generalandreviewedin2008–2009.AllemployeesoftheOfficeareemployedunderthePublic Service Act 2008.

TheOffice’sCodeofConductisconsistentwiththerequirementsunderthePublic Service Act 2008, the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994,andtherelevantPublicServiceCommissionpoliciesandIndustrialRelationsDirectives.Inaccordancewithsection23ofthePublic Sector Ethics Act 1994 theOfficeprovidesaformalinductionprocessfornewstaff.AtthistimestaffaregiventheirowncopyoftheCodeofConduct.TheinductionprocessrequiresstafftoreadandconfirmtheirunderstandingandabilitytoapplytheapprovedCodeofConduct.

Annualcodeofconducttrainingisprovidedtoreinforceandhighlightemployeeobligations.StaffcanreadilyaccesstheCodeofConductthroughtheOffice’sinternalinformationmanagementsystem.

Inaddition,allOfficeproceduresandpracticesgiveproperregardtotheapprovedCodeofConductandPublic Sector Ethics Act 1994 inparticular,theethicsobligationsofpublicofficials.

q) Risk managementTheobjectiveoftheOfficeRiskManagementPolicyistofacilitatethedevelopmentofariskmanagementculturewithintheOfficeandtoassistallstaffinimplementingsoundriskmanagementpracticesthateliminateorminimisepotentiallossesandaddvaluetothebusinessoperationsoftheOffice.Inapplyingriskmanagementprinciplesitisexpectedthatofficersatalllevelswill:

■ seektoreducevulnerabilitytobothinternalandexternaleventsandinfluencesthatcanimpedeachievingthegoalsoftheOffice;

■ seektocapitaliseonopportunitiestoenhanceOfficebusinessprocessesandcreatevalue;and

■ contributetoeffectivecorporategovernance.

TheOffice’sRiskManagementFrameworkisdesignedtoencourageanintegratedapproachtomanagingallrisksintheOfficethatimpactontheachievementoftheOffice’sstrategicandbusinessobjectives.Itisbuiltaroundhavingacommonlanguageandcommonapproachtohelpidentifywhichrisksaresignificantandthemosteffectivewaytorespondtotheserisks.

r) Complaints managementThereisacomplaintsprocesspromotedontheOffice’swebsite.ComplaintswhichcannotbeinformallyresolvedaretobemadeinwritingtotheManager,CorporateandExecutiveServicesandarehandledindependentlyoftheareasaboutwhichthecomplaintismade.

Feedbackistakenseriouslyandwherespecificimprovementscanbeidentified,theyareimplementedassoonaspracticable.

ComplaintscannotbedealtwithbytheOfficewhereexternalreviewapplicantsdisagreewithadecision.Inthesecircumstances,applicantsmayappealtoQCATonaquestionoflaworapplytotheSupremeCourtforastatutoryorderofreviewonaquestionoflaw.

s) RecordkeepingIncompliancewiththeprovisionsofthePublic Records Act 2002 theOfficeisrequiredtomakeandkeepfullandaccuraterecordsofitsactivitiesandhaveregardtoanyrelevantpolicy,standardsandguidelinesmadebytheStateArchivistaboutthemakingandkeepingofpublicrecords.

TheOfficeapplieswholeofgovernmentinformationpoliciesandstandardsincludingInformation Standard 40: Recordkeeping toensureitsrecordsareaccountable,reliableandsecure.

Officesystemsaresupportedbyinternalguidelines,proceduresandpolicyregardingthemanagementofinformationandrecords.Staffarefullytrainedinthecreation,maintenanceandmanagementofrecordsforsystemcompliancewithmonitoring,managementandauditingrequirements.

Majorinitiativesduring2009–2010include:

■ integratingarchivingmanagementinformationwiththecasemanagementsystem;

■ incomingcorrespondencewasscannedandlinkedtothecasemanagementsystem;

■ developingarecordsystemfornewfunctionalareas;

■ improvingrecordsystemsecurity;and

■ planningforrecordstoragefacilitiesandsecurityatnewpremises.

t) Workplace health and safetyAWorkplaceHealthandSafety(WHS)programisembeddedwithintheOffice’scultureandpractices.Allstaffareinformedandawareoftheemployer’sandeachemployee’sresponsibilitytocreateandmaintainasafeworkplaceforeveryoneintheOffice.AllstaffareexpectedtobevigilantinidentifyingandreportingandaddressingpotentialWHSrisks.DuringtheyeartrainingintheemergencyproceduresoftheOfficewasprovided.Noeventsresultingininjurywerereported.

u) Waste managementIn2008–2009theOfficeimplementedaWasteManagementPolicywithanemphasisonwasteavoidance,reduction,reuseandrecycling.InparticulartheOfficehasimplementedpracticestoreducepaperusageandtorecyclecardboardandpaper.

v) Carbon emissionsAllnon-essentialofficelightingisswitchedoffattheendofeachday.Whereappropriate,allelectricalappliancesareturnedoffatthewallwhennotinuse.Individualcomputersareplacedintoshutdownmodeovernight.Airconditioningtemperatureismaintainedat23.5degreesCelsiusforsummeroperation.Thesinglefleetvehicleisapartofthegovernment’sinitiativetooffsetemissionsby50%by2010and100%by2020,andalmost100%offuelpurchasesareE10.

w) Public interest disclosuresNopublicinterestdisclosuresweremadetotheOfficeundertheWhistleblowers Protection Act 1994.

x) Right to informationSection26oftheRTIActpreventsanaccessapplicationbeingmadeortransferredtotheInformationCommissioner,RTICommissionerorPrivacyCommissioner.

y) Privacy policyNocomplaintsundertheOffice’sprivacypolicywerereceivedbytheInformationCommissionerduringthereportingperiod.

z) Carers CharterAllstaffaremadeawareoftheobligationstocomplywithsection9oftheCarers (Recognition) Act 2008.


SERVICE DELIVERY

SERVICE 1

TheprocessofmeritsreviewinvolvesindependentlyreviewingcertaindecisionsmadebyQueenslandMinisters,publicsectoragenciesandpublicauthoritiesaboutaccessto,oramendmentof,documents.

In2009–2010theOfficeconductedmeritsreviewsofdecisionsmadeundertheRTIActandtheIPAct.Inaddition,theOfficereviewedthemeritsofdecisionsmadeunderthenowrepealedFOIActwheretheapplicationand/orreviewprocessesunderthatActwerenotfinalisedbefore1July2009.

DuringthereportingperiodtheOfficereceivedarecordnumberof439externalreviewapplications.TheOfficealsofinalisedarecordnumberof373reviewapplications,significantlymorethanitstargetof300finalisedreviewsfortheyear.

Resolving Applications Applicationsforexternalreviewmayberesolvedearlyorfinallydeterminedbywrittendecision.

Early Resolution

TheRTIActandIPActrequiretheInformationCommissionertoidentifyopportunitiesandprocessesforearlyresolutionofanexternalreviewapplication,includingmediation,andtopromotesettlementofanexternalreviewapplication.Ifanexternalreviewisresolvedinformallyeachparticipantisgivenanoticethatthereviewiscomplete.

Resolution of ReviewsGraph1(shownonthispageattopright),showsthenumberofreviewsfinalisedbytheOfficeagainstitstargetforthelast5years.

Graph2(shownonthispageatbottomright),showsthepercentageofreviewsresolvedinformallyagainstthetargetforeachoftheyearssince2005–2006.

An independent, timely and fair review of decisions made under the Right to Information Act 2009 and the Information Privacy Act 2009.

“IfoundtheserviceoftheOICtobeprofessional.AllthestaffwithwhomIdealtwithwerepolite,helpfulandfriendly.Keepupthegoodwork.”

Applicant Feedback

GRAPH 2. Proportion of reviews resolved informally 2006–2010

77%

70%

2005–2006

72%70%

2006–2007

75%79%

2007–2008

75%79%

2008–2009

75%

91%

2009–2010

target % of reviews resolved finalised

GRAPH 1. Number of applications for review finalised against the target 2006–2010

** This figure included 56 applications from one applicant, received and finalised in the year as ‘quick turnaround’ reviews.

373359

289

250 250

300 300 300 300308

336

265

external review applications

2004–2005 2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010

target

Number of external review applications finalised

Proportion of reviews resolved informally 2006–2010

CASE STUDY 1: CandCairnsRegionalCouncil

C sought access to a report of Cairns Regional Council to which Council refused access, on the basis that the report was subject to legal professional privilege.

On external review, the Office requested further submissions from Council to support its contention that the report in issue was subject to legal professional privilege. The Office also asked Council to consider early resolution of the review, as the applicant only sought access to parts of the report in issue. The applicant was seeking information about a commercial radio deal made by Council and not to parts of the report which related to an employment issue.

Council agreed to provide the applicant with a redacted copy of the report, which provided the applicant with information about the commercial radio deal but did not disclose any information about the employment issue.

COMMENT

Early resolution occurred by obtaining specific information about the information sought by the applicant and finding that Council had no particular objection to the release of the specific information.

Graph3(shownatleft),showsthenumberofapplicationsonhandattheendofthefinancialyearhassignificantlyincreasedto153,almostdoublethepreviousyear.Thisprovidesameasureoftheadequacyofthequantumofresourcesincircumstanceswherethereisaheightenedlevelofdemandandnoefficiencyconcerns.

Additionalinformationwithrespecttoexternalreviewisprovidedintheappendix.

DecisionsIn2009–2010theOfficeissued35writtendecisionsbrokendownforeachActasshownbelow:

GRAPH 3. The number of open External Review applications on hand as at 30 June 2009 and for each of the previous four years together with the number of applications received

153

83

10297

141134

2004–2005 2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010

No applications on hand as at 30 June

Number of external review applications as at 30 June 2009

Early resolution

“ThisofficedealtwithmymatterandIhadaresultbeforeIknewit.Thankyou.”Applicant feedback IP Act RTI Act FOI Act

1

2

32

Written decisions per Act


SERVICE DELIVERY

Case study 2:AandQueenslandHealth(2separatereviews)

The applicant sought access to his late mother’s health care records in two separate FOI requests for records held by the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the Prince Charles Hospital. Queensland Health responded to both applications by refusing access to the records on the basis that the disclosure of the records would prejudice his late mother’s privacy interests and that this would be contrary to the public interest.

On external review, the applicant indicated that he sought access to his late mother’s health care records to establish whether his mother had a genetic mental health condition. He had been separated from his mother from a young age due to her mental health condition and was never given an opportunity to speak to his mother about her health.

Early resolution of these reviews occurred when Queensland Health provided the applicant with the information he sought without disclosing the entirety of his mother’s medical records. The applicant received two letters from senior medical officers of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the Prince Charles Hospital which summarised the various psychiatric diagnoses given to the applicant’s mother, the symptoms of these diagnoses and the treatment administered.

COMMENT

This was a matter in which the applicant acknowledged that he did not require access to his mother’s health records but required confirmation from her health care providers that his mother’s condition would not affect his own health. Queensland Health recognised the public interest in the applicant knowing particular details in relation to his mother’s healthcare and provided the applicant with a summary of the relevant information. Knowledge of an applicant’s reasons for wanting access to records can change the balancing of different public interests. An applicant can sometimes be provided with the information sought without disclosing documents.

AwrittendecisionisoneinwhichtheInformationCommissioneraffirms,variesorsetsasidethedecisionunderreviewandmakesadecisioninsubstitutionforit.

TheInformationCommissionermustpublishwrittendecisions.Togetherwithasummary,decisionsarepublishedontheOffice’swebsiteundertherelevantAct,excepttotheextenttheycontaininformationcontrarytothepublicinterest.WrittendecisionsalsoformpartoftheOffice’sknowledgedatabaseprovidingguidancetostaffoftheOffice,agenciesandapplicantsinrelationtohowtheInformationCommissionerinterpretsparticularprovisionsineachoftheActs.

WiththechangingprofileofFOImatterstoRTIandIPmatters,decisionsundertheRTIandIPActarenowstartingtoemerge.

Appeals on a question of law to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Undersection119oftheRTIActandsection132oftheIPActanexternalreviewparticipantisabletoappealtotheQueenslandCivilandAdministrativeTribunal(QCAT)againstadecisionoftheInformationCommissioneronaquestionoflaw.

In2009–2010oneappealofadecisionoftheInformationCommissionermadeundertheRTIActwaslodgedwithQCAT.Thatappealiscontinuing.

Judicial review of decisionsWrittendecisionsoftheInformationCommissionercanbejudiciallyreviewedbytheQueenslandSupremeCourtundertheJudicial Review Act 1991(QLD)(JRAct).EachdecisionoftheInformationCommissionermustclearlygivereasonsforitsfindingsbecauseatribunalorquasi judicialbody,inkeepingwithcommonlawprinciples,doesnotordinarilyplayanadversarialroleindefendingitsdecisioninreviewproceedingsbeforetheSupremeCourt.

Access to records

DuringtheyeartwoapplicationsforastatutoryorderofreviewundertheJRActweremadetotheSupremeCourt.BothapplicationsrelatedtoasingleexternalreviewapplicationmadeundertheFOIAct.OneoftheseapplicationswasfinalisedwhentheSupremeCourtdismissedtheapplicationforjudicialreview.NowrittenjudgmentwaspublishedbytheCourt.

Therearetwoapplicationsforastatutoryorderofreviewonfootattheendof2009–2010.

Developing skills in external review2009–2010presentedchallengesandopportunitiesforstaffoftheOfficewhoaretaskedwiththeresponsibilityofinterpretingandapplyingnewlegislationandaswellascontinuingtoworkwiththerepealedFOIAct.

TheOfficecommittedsignificantresourcestobuildingcapabilityinitsreviewstaff.Staffattendedtrainingtofosterskilldevelopmentin:

■ administrativelaw(statutoryinterpretationanddecisionmaking)tosupportqualityoutcomesinreview;and

■ negotiationtoencouragealternativedisputeresolutionapproachesandsupportthemaintenanceofgoodrelationshipswithcolleagues,clientsandstakeholders.

OtherinitiativesoftheOfficeincluded:

■ refiningitsinductionprocesses;

■ developingaprofessional(asopposedtocorporate)inductionprocessforreviewofficers;

■ strengtheningtheprofessionalsupervisionofnewreviewofficers;

■ developingastrongmentoringculturetoensurethattheprofessionalskillsofreviewofficersarecontinuouslydeveloped,staffsatisfactionlevelsarehighandexperiencedstaffareretained;and

■ initiatingareviewoftheOffice’sperformancedevelopmentframework.

Tosupportthisfocusseniorstaffalsoattendedtrainingineffectivegovernanceandcompliance,recruitmentandselection,andperformancemanagementandplanningtoensureemployerbestpractice.

Formal complaints received

DuringtheyeartheOfficereceivedtwocomplaintsinrelationtoexternalreviewsunderitscomplaintmanagementpolicy,twocomplaintsfewerthanthepreviousyear.

AcomplaintrelatingtothepublicationofanexternalreviewdecisionontheInformationCommissioner’swebsitewasreceivedfromthefamilyresponsibleformaking56externalreviewapplicationsaboutasingleissue.InmakingthecomplainttheapplicantassertedtheyhadputtheOfficeonnoticenottopublishthedecision,hadrequestedwithdrawaloftheapplicationandrequestedthedecisionberemovedfromthewebsite.Thecomplaintwasfoundtobeunsubstantiatedbecause:

■ theapplicanthadnotmadesucharequestwithrespecttotheparticulardecision;

■ theInformationCommissionerhaddiscretiontopublishdecisionsundersection89(5)oftheFOIAct;and

■ theOfficehadexplainedthatpublishingdecisionswasanimportantaspectofitsaccountabilityanditisnowrequiredbytheRTIAct.

Althoughthecomplaintwasunsubstantiated,theInformationCommissioneragreed,inthisinstance,tode-identifythepublisheddecisioninviewoftheapplicant’sexpressedconcernandthepossibilitythatsomeproceduralissuesweremisunderstoodbytheapplicantduringthereview.

Anotherexternalreviewapplicantcomplainedthatanerroroflawhadbeenmadeinadecision.InrespondingtothecomplainttheOfficeinformedtheapplicantthatitspowersinrelationtothereviewwereexhaustedandthattheavailableremedywastoapplytotheSupremeCourtforastatutoryorderofreview.ItwasexplainedthattheOffice’scomplaintmanagementpolicydealtwithissuesofanadministrativenature.

Surveying review participantsSince2000,theOfficehassurveyedapplicantsandagenciesfollowingcompletionofanexternalreview.ThesurveyprocesshasevolvedfromatelephonesurveyadministeredbyOfficestafftoawrittensurveymailedtotheapplicantwiththefinalletter.In2008–2009thesurveymethodologywasagainrevisedandthesurveypoolexpandedtoincludeparticipantsinapplicationsforreviewthatdidnotrequireadetermination.

Forapplicantsurveys,thishadtheeffectofincreasingthenumberofapplicantswho‘didnobetter’asaresultoftheircontactwiththeOffice.Italsomeantthatsurveyresultsfrom2008–2009werenotdirectlycomparablewiththosefrompreviousyears.

Applicant satisfaction with the conduct of the reviewIn2009–2010applicantsweresurveyediftheirapplicationsrequiredasubstantivereview.Ifanapplicationdidnotproceedtoreviewbecause,forexampleitwasoutsideoftheOffice’sjurisdiction,theapplicantwasnotsurveyed.Consistentwithpreviousyears:

■ anapplicantwhohadmorethanonereviewintheyearwassurveyedonlyoncefortheyear;and

■ surveysweresentfollowingthefileclosureletter.

Theofficemetitsperformancetargetof70%ofapplicantsbeingsatisfied.

Agency satisfaction

EachyeartheOfficesurveystheagenciesthatparticipatedinareviewfinalisedduringthepreviouscalendaryear.In2010theannualagencysurveycontaineddifferentquestionstothesurveysenttoagenciesin2009.Therefore,whilethesameprocesswasused,theresultsarenotdirectlycomparabletopreviousyears.

Thisyear98%ofresponsiveagenciesagreedtheinformationandassistancetheyreceivedwheninteractingwiththeOfficein2009wasofahighstandard.ThisexceedstheOffice’stargetof75%ofagenciesbeingsatisfiedwiththeinformationandassistanceitprovides.

of applicants who responded to the survey were satisfied overall with the service provided by the Office in 2009–2010.

71%

of agencies agreed the information and assistance from the office was of a high standard in 2009–2010.

98%

“TheOfficehasbecomeagoodsourceofinformationandsupportforstaffinimplementingtheRTIandIPregime.”Agency Feedback


SERVICE DELIVERY

TimelinessTheOfficemeasuresitstimelinessbycalculatingthemediannumberofcalendardaysforanexternalreviewtoberesolvedorfinalised.

TheOfficemetitsperformancetargetfortimelinessof90mediandays.Themediannumberofcalendardaysforanexternalreviewtobefinalisedwas37days,a34%improvement.Theimprovementintimelinesscanbeattributedprimarilytoprocessimprovements,skilledstaff,thegradualdecreaseintheageofmattersonhand,andthelowestnumberofapplicationsonhandatthebeginningoftheyear.Asthelasttwoofthesefactorswillnotcontinuein2010–2011duetothesharpincreaseinthenumbersofexternalreviewapplicationsreceived,itisexpectedthetimelinessofreviewswilldecreaseincomingyears.

Graph4(shownonthispageatright),showsthenumberofmediandaystofinaliseanapplicationforreviewineachyearsince2006–2007.Mediandayswerenotreportedinpreviousreportingperiods.

Strategies to support performance

In2009–2010theOfficededicatedresourcestotwokeystrategiesthatwillsupportitsexternalreviewfunction,thecasemanagementsystemandanintranetbasedknowledgemanagementresource.

TheOffice’scasemanagementsystemwascomprehensivelyreviewedand,asaresult,additionalfunctionalitywasbroughtonlineon1July2010.ThechangeswillenabletheOfficetosystematicallyaddressreasonsfordelayasareviewapplicationprogressesthroughdiscretestages.Detailsoftheimprovementsandanticipatedresultsaredetailedunder“InformationSystemsandRecordKeeping”.

Detailsoftheimprovementsandanticipatedresultsaredetailedunder“In-houseKnowledgeManagementSystemandResearchResources”.

Number of open reviews more than 12 months old at the end of the reporting periodThisperformancemeasurewasintroducedin2005–2006andatargetofhavingfewerthan10reviewsmorethan12monthsoldwasadopted.

Asmallnumberofreviewstakeanextendedperiodtoresolveforlegitimatereasons.Asat30June2010,4reviewsmorethan12monthsoldwereopen.

Graph5(shownabove)setsoutthenumberofopenreviewsmorethan12monthsoldattheendofthisyear.

Oneofthefourapplicationsmorethan12monthsoldwaslodgedin2006butputonholdin2007pendingtheoutcomeofajudicialreview.Asthejudicialreviewisyettobedetermined,theOfficeisproceedingwiththeapplicationbyreconsideringtherelevantauthorities.

GRAPH 4. No. of median days to finalise an application for review in each year compared to the target

115

90

2006–2007

9085

2007–2008

90

56

2008–2009

90

37

2009–2010

target number of median days to finalise

GRAPH 5. Number of open reviews more than 12 months old as at 30 June at the end of each reporting period 2006–2010

11

7

11

7

4

target number of reviews (<10)

2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010

No. of open reviews >12 months old

Number of median days to finalise an application

Number of open reviews more than 12 months old

Case study 3:BandQueenslandPoliceService

An employee of the Queensland Police Service requested all documents relating to multiple job applications made over the past year. The Queensland Police Service released a majority of the documents responding to the applicant’s access application, with the exception of documents comprising the personal information of individuals other than the applicant.

The applicant sought external review on sufficiency of search grounds and also required the Office to review the Queensland Police Service’s determination that the information to which she was refused access was the personal information of other individuals.

The Office examined the documents to which the applicant was refused access and provided an oral preliminary view that those documents comprised the personal information of individuals other than the applicant.

In relation to the sufficiency of search issue, the Office requested the Queensland Police Service to conduct further searches for documents responding to the applicant’s access application and provide submissions on these searches. In response the Queensland Police Service provided detailed search certifications and submissions explaining why further documents did not exist and demonstrating that extensive searches had been conducted. The applicant accepted that the Queensland Police Service had taken all reasonable steps to locate documents in response to her access application.

Comment

This matter demonstrates that where agencies provide the Office with clear submissions explaining the searches undertaken, applicants are more likely to be satisfied about their concerns. Where clear explanations are given for why documents do not exist or cannot be located, applicants are often willing to resolve an external review.

Sufficiency of search

“Iwouldliketoextendahuge“thankyou”frommyself,andourcommunity,totheOICinregardtothisreview,andtoeveryonewhoworkedonthisdecision.Itisclearthatahugeamountofworkhasgoneintothis.Iamacutelyawareitisaprivilegetohaveaccesstosuchaprocessasyoursandhavealwaysconsidereditaccordingly.Personally,andasamemberofthecommunitywhoknewnothingaboutanyofthisayearago,Ibelievethisdecisionrestoresawellneeded“balance”totheoperationof“stateownedentities”.Ithinktheseentitieswillperformbetteracrosstheboardbybeingopenandaccountable.ItismyardentbeliefthatthisdecisionwillhaveapositiveeffectonQueenslander’sliveswithnoassociateddownside.Iwouldalsoliketothankyouinregardtomypersistent“Arewethereyet?”phonecalls.” Applicant Feedback


SERVICE DELIVERY

UndertheIPAct,apersonmaymakeaprivacycomplainttotheInformationCommissioner.AllPrivacycomplaintsareinitiallyassessedagainstthelegislativerequirements.

TheInformationCommissionermaydecidetodeclinetodealwiththecomplaint,referthecomplaintelsewhere,attempttoconciliatethecomplaintorreferanunconciliablecomplainttoQCAT.

TheOfficeendeavourstoresolveallprivacycomplaintsinatimely,effectiveandefficientmanner.Thirteenprivacycomplaintswerereceivedduring2009-2010.AbreakdownofcomplaintoutcomesareoutlinedinGraph6(atright).

Complaint outcome Number

No jurisdiction – closed 9

No Jurisdiction – pending closure

1

Accepted – and ongoing 1

Referred to QCAT 0

Withdrawn 1

Referred to more appropriate entity (S169)

1

TAble 1. No. privacy complaints received and accepted or closed.

* No satisfaction surveys were completed as no conciliation service was provided.

Therewereinsufficientcomplaintstoreportmeaningfullyoncomplainttype.

Nosatisfactionsurveyswerecompletedasnoconciliationservicewasprovided.TheOfficehasaperformancetargetoffinalisingcomplaintswithin90daysofreceipt.100%ofcomplaintswerefinalisedwithin90days.

DuringPrivacyAwarenessweektheOfficepromotedtheneedforindividualsandorganisationstoprotectpersonalinformationinaccordancewiththeInformation Privacy Act 2009.AdditionalOfficeresourcesweredevelopedandreleasedtoagenciesandthecommunitythroughatargetedmarketingcampaignincludingtheposterdisplayedonthenextpage.Thisposterwasmadeavailableinhardcopyandelectronicformats.

of privacy complaints were finalised within 90 days100%

GRAPH 6. Number of privacy complaints received

13

2009–2010 2010–2011 2011–2012 2012–2013

No. of privacy complaints received

“Thankyousomuchforthis.Iconsideritaveryquickresponse.Muchappreciated–thisanswersourquestionsperfectly”.Applicant Feedback

Number of privacy complaints received

Who’s digging through your information?P.A.W. Privacy Awareness Week

Privacy: Protect and Respect

2–8 May 2010

Office of the Information Commissioner

Queensland

OIC 5958 Poster FINAL.indd 1

24/03/10 2:41 PM

A poster was developed to support national Privacy Awareness Week.

This and other resouces were distributed amongst agencies and the community.

SERVICE 2 An independent and timely privacy complaint resolution service


SERVICE DELIVERY

TrainingTrainingisoneofthenewlyacquiredfunctionsoftheOffice.Trainingwasaimedatencouraginganopennessmindsetandbestpracticewithinagencies.Section128oftheRTIActoutlinesthesupportfunctionsoftheOfficeandinpartstates:“ThefunctionsoftheInformationCommissionerincludegivinginformationandhelptoagenciesandmembersofthepubliconmattersrelevanttothisAct,inparticularby…promotinggreaterawarenessoftheoperationofthisActinthecommunityandwithingovernment,includingbyprovidingtrainingandeducativeprograms.”

TrainingwasofferedbytheOfficeontwobases.First,interestedpartiescouldattendscheduledtrainingsessionsheldinBrisbanecoveringarangeoftopicsacrossbothRTIandIP.Secondly,arangeofindividualcoursesweredevelopedanddeliveredinmetropolitanandregionalareasinresponsetoclients’identifiedneeds.

TheOfficeofferedthefollowingscheduledtrainingopportunities:

■ generalrighttoinformationandprivacyawarenesstraining;

■ trainingfordecisionmakers;

■ trainingforprivacyofficers;

■ trainingontheRTIAct;

■ traininginIPAct;

■ trainingindealingwithdifficultpeople;and

■ specifictraininginRTIandIPActs.

Inresponsetoclients’requests,theOfficedeliveredspecifictraininginanumberoflocationsindicatedonthemapbelow.

“GympieRegionalCouncilrecentlysoughtassistancefromtheOfficeoftheInformationCommissionertoconductonsitetrainingworkshopsfocusingonInformation Privacy and Right to Information Actmatters.TheOfficestaffprovidedaprofessional,interactivetrainingexperiencethatwaswellreceivedbyallwhoattended.WiththecomplexityoflegislationnowimpactingonQueenslandLocalGovernment,thevalueofprovidingstaffwithquality,informed,focusedtraininginmattersofcorporatewidesignificancee.g.InformationPrivacy,cannotbeoverstated.” Agency Feedback

Moreton BaySunshine Coast

Gold Coast

StrathpineRedlands

Rockhampton

Bundaberg

Gympie

Gladstone

Mackay

Proserpine

Townsville

Cairns

Mt Isa

Longreach

Roma

BrisbaneDalby

Ipswich

MAP 1. Training delivered at each location

Training Locations in 2009-2010

Graph7(below)depictstrainingtargetsversustrainingresultsachievedinrelationtotrainingsessionsconducted,participantssatisfiedandparticipantstrained.

Therequirementsofclientgroupscanvarydependingontheirroles.Accordingly,specifictrainingwasdevelopedaroundlawenforcementandcomplianceofficers,customerserviceofficers,humanresourceofficers,seniormanagementpersonnelandsomeelectedofficials.

DuringtheyeartheOfficeworkedinpartnershipwiththeStateArchivistandthePublicServiceCommissiontodeliverabreakfastseriesforCEOsandSESofficersentitled“IMforthenon-IMexecutive”.ThepresenterwasDrMarianneBroadbent,SeniorPartnerwithEWKInternational.DrBroadbenthasaninternationalreputationinthefieldofinformationmanagement.Theserieswasaimedatshiftingthepublicsectorculturetobeingmoreinformationmanagementawareandconfident.

Effectiveinformationmanagementisapre-requisitetoachievingthegovernment’saimofbeingopen,accountableandparticipatory.Eighty-threeseniorexecutivesandchiefexecutivesattendedthebreakfasts.

InaninitiativeoftheOfficeandtheStateArchivist,thesessionsweredigitallyrecordedsothatagencyexecutiveteams,particularlythoselocatedoutsidethesouth-eastregioncanbenefitfromDrBroadbent’sexpertise.

Information and Assistance to agencies and the communityOneofthemajorfunctionsoftheOfficeistoprovideinformationandhelptoagenciesandmembersofthepublicontheinterpretationandapplicationoftheRTIandtheIPActs.

TheInformationandAssistanceTeamproducestoolsandresourcesforusebyagencystaffandmembersofthepublictohelpthemunderstand,applyandusetheRTIandIPActs.

Buildingonthesuiteofguidelinespublishedin2008–2009,theOfficehascontinuedtoproduceinformationresourcestoassistintheimplementationtheRTIreforms.Inaccordancewithitslegislativeobligations,alltheinformationresourcesproducedbytheOfficearepublishedontheOffice’swebsite*.

Thetablesonpages23and24setoutthevariousinformationresourcespublishedandmadeavailablebytheOfficeonitswebsiteduring2009–2010.

Type of document Title of publication

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FrequentlyAskedQuestionsbymembersofthepublic

FrequentlyAskedQuestionsbyagencies

Brochures OpenGovernment:PushingInformationOut

Toolkits Scenario1–ApplicationsforcomplaintsfileaboutabarkingdogReasoningprocessMockdocumentscollectionPrescribedWrittenNotice

Information Sheets HowtoapplyundertheRTIAct–aguideforapplicants

Previousapplicationforsamedocuments

ProvidingsubmissionstotheOIC–aguideforapplicants(forexternalreviewmatters)

Noncompliantapplications

Guidelines OverviewoftheRTIActandcomparisonwiththerepealedFOIAct

Evidenceofauthorityandidentityforaccessandamendmentapplications

Exemptinformation-Cabinet

Exemptinformation–Ministerialbriefingmaterials

Exemptinformation–Sovereigncommunications

Internalreview

ProvidingmatterinissuetotheOIC(forexternalreviewmatters)

TAble 2. Right to Information resources produced in 2009–2010

* Section 132(2) of the RTI Act

30

77

500

3594

75

95

SessionsConducted

Participants Trained

Percentage of Participants Satisfied

Training target 2009–2010

Training achieved 2009–2010

GRAPH 7. Training targets versus training results achieved

Training targets versus training results achieved

SERVICE 3 Foster improvements in the quality of practice in Right to Information and Information Privacy in Queensland Government agencies


ManyoftheOffice’sinformationsheetsandotherresourcespublishedonitswebsitearedraftedinresponsetoquestionsreceivedthroughtheenquiriesservice,agencyRTIpractices,amendmentstotheRTIandIPlegislation,andresearchintointerstateandoverseasdevelopmentsintherelevantlaw.InformationfromvarioussourcesensuresthattheOffice’sinformationresourcesareuseful,up-to-dateandrelevanttothosewhousethem.Membersoftheexternalreviewteamalsoinformthedevelopmentofinformationsheetsbasedoncurrentcasesandinterpretationissuesidentifiedthroughtheexternalreviewprocess.

Inadditiontotheabove,theInformationandAssistanceTeamalsofostersimprovementsinthequalityofpracticeingovernmentagenciesbyoperatingtheOffice’sEnquiriesService.TheEnquiriesserviceprovidestelephoneandemailadvicetogovernmentofficersandmembersofthepublictoassistintheunderstandingandapplicationofthelegislation.Itcanbecontactedon32347373oremail:[email protected]

Inthecourseofassistingthecommunityandagencieswithadviceonthelegislation,theEnquiriesServicemonitorsissuesraised.Whereitbecomesclearfromthenumberandnatureofenquiriesreceivedthatagenciesarehavingdifficultygivingintenttoaparticularsectionofthelegislation,theOfficemayhighlightthisasanareaforconsiderationinthenextroundofamendmentstothelegislationforconsiderationbytheportfolioresponsibleforit.

SERVICE DELIVERY

Type of document Title of publication

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FrequentlyAskedQuestionsbymembersofthepublic

FrequentlyAskedQuestionsbyagencies

Brochures YourPrivacyRights

Toolkits Disclosurechecklist

Privacyself-assessmentguide

Contractedserviceproviders–achecklistforagencies

TheInformationPrivacyAct–anintroductoryguideforlocalcouncils

Information Sheets Localgovernment–Councillors,theLocal Government Act 2009,andthePrivacyPrinciples

Portablestoragedevicesandinformationprivacy

Howtoamendpersonalinformation

Tipsforrespondingtoprivacycomplaints

ManagingprivacycomplaintswhichhavegonetotheOIC

Privacyandlawenforcementagencies

Personalinformationcollectedpre-Information Privacy Act 2009

Websurveytoolsandinformationprivacy

PrivacyandMPsactingonbehalfofconstituents

DisclosureLogsandpersonalinformation

Personalinformationandnetworksecurity

QuestionsonnoticeandtheIPAct

HowtoapplyundertheIPAct–aguideforapplicants

Contractedserviceprovidersandtheprivacyprinciples

Personalinformationpublishedbytheindividual–non-compliancewithparticularIPPsandNPPs

Privacy,IPaddressesandGoogleAnalytics

InformationSheetsontheIPPs:OverviewoftheIPPs CollectionStorageandsecurity AccessandamendmentUseanddisclosure

InformationSheetsontheNPPs:OverviewoftheNPPs CollectionSensitiveinformation DataqualityandsecurityAccess,amendment Useanddisclosureandanonymity

Guidelines Personalinformation–disclosure,theworldwidewebandsection33

LocalGovernment-privacyandcouncilminutesmeetingsandagendas

Makingaprivacycomplaint

PublicaccesstoinformationundertheSustainable Planning Act 2009

Publicservicerecruitmentandinformationprivacy

TAble 3. Information Privacy resources produced in 2009–2010

Performance monitoring and reportingThenewlycreatedperformancemonitoringandreportingfunctionoftheOfficecommencedon1July2009undersection131RTIActandsection135IPAct.TheOfficehasdevelopedaCharter,PoliciesandProceduresManualtogovernthenewperformancemonitoringfunction.

DuringtheyeartheOfficeundertookascopingexercisetoestablishthatupto602agenciesareaffectedbytheRTIandIPAct.Ofthese212significantlylargeandindependentagencieswereidentifiedbytheOfficefordirectperformancemonitoring.Theagenciesconsistofgovernmentdepartments,localgovernments,universities,TAFEs,governmentownedcorporationsandpublicauthorities.

TheOfficeidentifiedalistofthelegislativeandbestpracticeobligationswithwhichagencieswererequiredtocomply.ThesehavebeenpublishedonthewebsiteintheformofaSelfAssessmentTool,whichassistsagenciestounderstandandassesstheirownprogressinimplementingthenewlegislation.

TheOfficehasbroughtalltheobligationstogetherinaframeworkofPerformanceStandardsandMeasures,whichdescribeshowdifferentperformancemeasurescanbeaggregatedandanalysedtoassesstheoverallsuccessoftheRighttoInformationreforms.ThePerformanceStandardsandMeasureshavebeenpublishedontheOffice’swebsiteinaccordancewithsection131oftheRTIAct.

Performancemonitoringactivitiescommencedwithdesktopanalysisofagencywebsitesforcompliancewithrequirementstohaveapublicationscheme,disclosurelogandforcompliancewithprivacyprinciplestwo(collectionofpersonalinformation)andfive(adviceaboutpersonalinformationholdings).

Areportofthedesktopreviewwasissuedto74localgovernmentsabouttheircompliancewithrequirementsforpublicationschemesanddisclosurelogsresultinginimprovementstoanumberoflocalgovernmentwebsites.

DesktopreviewreportswerealsopreparedforStategovernmentdepartmentsanduniversities.ReviewfindingswillbetabledinareporttotheLaw,JusticeandSafetyCommittee.

ApilotmethodologyforacomprehensivesiteauditwascommencedwithaStategovernmentdepartment.Anyrefinementtotheprocessfoundtobebeneficialwillbeimplemented.Asthepurposeofthepilotwastoassisttheofficeindevelopingitsmethodology,anyreviewfindingswillbereportedbacktotheagencyonly.

TheOfficehasdevelopedthreesurveyandauditinstrumentstomeasuretheprogressoftheRighttoInformationreforms.TwosurveyshavebeenissuedviatheOfficeofEconomicandStatisticalResearch.Onesurveyaddressesquestionsaboutpublicserviceculture,andtheotheraddressescommunityawarenessandattitudes.Thethirdinstrumentisanelectronicauditofagencies,basedontheSelfAssessmentTool,whichhasbeenissuedtoeachofthe212agenciestoestablishabaselinemeasureofcompliance.Thedatacollectedinthesesurveyswillestablishbaselinedataforthereforms.Infutureyears,theOfficewillrepeatthetwosurveysandtheelectronicaudit,inordertoassesschangesinpublicsectorandcommunityattitudesandtheprogressoftheRTIreformsovertime.

Performancemonitoringactivitieshaveonlyrecentlycommenced.Systemicissuesmayemergeoverthenext12months,particularlywhenthesecondroundofsurveysandauditsisconducted,andcomparisonscanbemaderegardingtheimplementationofRighttoInformationreformsovertime.


InitsstrategicplantheOfficeidentifiedfourkeyactivitiesthroughwhichitwouldpromotetheprinciplesandpracticesofRighttoInformationandInformationPrivacyinthecommunityandwithinGovernment.

Promoting through the internetTheOfficeincreaseditswebfunctionalitytoensurethepromotionofitsnewrolesandtodisseminateresources.SocialmediasuchasTwitterandReallyShortSyndication(RSS)feedshavebeenadoptedtoincreasecommunicationopportunities.Therewere97,404visitstotheOfficewebsiteduringthereportingperiod.

Promoting through other avenuesDuringtheyeartheOfficedevelopedacommunicationsstrategytoinformagenciesandthecommunityaboutinformationrightsandresponsibilities.Asapartofthestrategy,theOfficehasdevelopedsurveyinstrumentstomeasurehouseholdandpublicservantawarenessofinformationrights.Theadministrationofthefirstsurveyscommencedthisfinancialyearandresultswillbeavailablenextreportingperiod.

TheOfficealsocontinuestoconductcommunicationactivitiesinpersonthroughradiointerviews,presentations,lectures,seminars,publishedarticles,makingsubmissionstovariousinquiriesandprovidingcommentonspecificproposals.

TheinauguralSolomonLecturewasheldon28September2009tocelebrateRighttoKnowDay,thefirsttimethisinternationallyrecogniseddaywascelebratedinAustralia.TheSolomonLecturewasnamedforDrDavidSolomon,thechairoftheIndependentFOIReviewPanelcommissionedin2007bytheQueenslandGovernmenttoreviewQueensland’sFOIlaws.DrSolomonwasaskedtodelivertheinaugurallecture.ThelecturehighlightedthesignificantchangewhichhadjusttakenplaceinQueenslandwiththeRTIlegislatedreformswhichrequiregovernmentagenciestopushoutinformationtothepublic.Theeventwasattendedby150seniorgovernmentofficialsandothers.TheSolomonLecturewillbeanannualeventontheRTIcalendar.

PerformanceStandardsandMeasures,inaccordancewiththerequirementsofs131(c),andtheSelfAssessmentToolwerepublishedontheOfficewebsiteprovidingagencieswithresourcestounderstandandassesstheirprogressinimplementingtherighttorighttoinformationreforms.

Graph8(atright)depictstheawarenessactivitytargetcomparedwiththeawarenessactivityachieved.

TheOfficehasaresponsibilitytoassistQueenslandgovernmentagenciestobothcomplywiththeprivacyprinciplescontainedintheIPActandtoadoptbestpracticesintheirmanagementofpersonalinformation.Adiverserangeofpromotionalactivitieshavebeenproducedtodischargetheseresponsibilitiesincluding:

■ trainingsessionsonprivacyissues;

■ publishingapproximately50InformationSheets,Guidelines,Checklistsandtoolsonprivacyissuestoassistagenciesincomplyingwiththeprivacyprinciples;

■ presentingatnumerousconferences,seminarsandothereventsincludingtheannualQueenslandLawSocietyConferenceheldinBrisbaneinMay2010;

■ providingsubmissionsandpubliccommentonprivacyissuesattheStateandCommonwealthlevelincludingontheHealthcareIdentifiersBillandtotheLaw,JusticeandSafetyCommitteeinquiryintoAlcoholRelatedViolence;and

■ distributingaposter,podcastandothermaterialtosupportandpromotetheNationalPrivacyAwarenessWeekamongstagenciesandthecommunity.

SERVICE DELIVERY

“Thankyouforyourclearadvice.Muchappreciated”.Applicant Feedback

TheOffice’sEnquiriesServicewasestablishedspecificallytorespondtoqueriesaboutRTIandIPfrombothagenciesandmembersofthecommunity.Theservicerespondedtoapproximately4000enquiries,mostofwhichweretelephoneenquiries.EnquiriesreceivedareofvaryingdegreesofcomplexityandscopeinrelationtobothRTIandIP.Theserviceisopenbetween8:30amand4:30pmandenquiriesarehandledbyexperiencedstaffwithpracticalRTIandIPexperience.AgencystaffandmembersofthepublicutilisetheenquiriesservicetoaskquestionsabouttheinterpretationandapplicationoftheRTIActandIPAct,withqueriesrangingfromrequestsforcopiesoftheapprovedaccessformtocomplexlegalquestionsaboutthemeaningofparticularsectionsofthelegislation.

Feedbackonthequalityofadviceprovidedbytheenquiriesservicehasbeenpositive.

DemandforadviceandassistancefromtheEnquiriesServicehasexceededexpectations.

Thegraphbelowsetsouttheexpectedandactualnumberofenquirieshandledbytheenquiriesserviceduring2009–2010:

190

214

No. of Awareness Activities

Awareness Activities Target 2009–2010

Awareness Activities Achieved 2009–2010

GRAPH 8. Number of awareness activities target and awareness activities achieved 2009–2010

Awareness activities target versus achieved

Oral

Written

2500

3470

572

Type

Target

Number of target and estimated actual enquiries received and responded to 2009–2010

GRAPH 9. Number of enquiries received and responded to

Testimonial 1:

“[Staff on] the enquiries line have been such a support and have frequently provided excellent and practical advice in relation to some of the unique situations that have arisen during processing under the RTI and IP Acts. I have particularly appreciated the fact that you will go away and research a particular point if the answer is not immediately obvious. You have also been willing to provide references to relevant case law for particular situations which has been extremely helpful to me as a person who did not formally process applications under the FOI Act.

The fact that most of the officers on the enquiries line have in the past been at the “coal face” in terms of processing applications makes them very approachable. I have appreciated their continued patience and genuine desire to help.”

Comment from an RTI decision-maker

Testimonial 2:

“It’s the first agency I have used that followed up progress by phone as well as in writing. I wish other agencies like... were as professional and efficient.”

Comment from applicants during external review process

SERVICE 4 Promote the principles and practices of Right to Information and Information Privacy in the community and within Government


2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010

FOI RTI IPA Total

Initial FOI application Notreported 12 6 3 2 3 2 7

Deemed Refusal of Access 90 51 76 43 18 20 13 51

Deemed Refusal of amendment 2 3 2 0 1 0 2 3

Fees n/a 6 14 49 1 4 1 6

Charges 13 3 5 3 0 2 0 2

Statements of Affairs 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Refusal of Access 190 125 131 177 47 139 65 251

Refusal of Amendment 6 6 3 5 1 0 8 9

Agency refusal to deal3 n/a 11 5 3 3 11 8 22

Reverse FOI Notreported 15 21 14 5 9 0 14

Sufficiency of Search Notreported 32 26 42 20 36 18 74

No Jurisdiction 41 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Total applications received 342 264 289 340 98 224 117 439

YearNo. review

applications receivedNo. review applications

concerning ‘deemed decisions’% of review applications

concerning ‘deemed decisions’

2009–10 439 53 12%

2008–09 340 43 13%

2007–08 289 78 27%

2006–07 264 54 20%

2005–06 342 92 27%

TAble 4: Categories of external review application received for the past five years.

TAble 5: The number of external review applications received that concerned ‘deemed decisions’ and the proportion of the total number of review applications received that were ‘deemed decisions’.

Category and No. of external review applications

No of review applications received including ‘deemed decisions’

Appendix

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–2010

FOI RTI IPA Total

Agencies 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 1

Individuals 247 199 227 268 73 151 91 315

Companies 13 18 31 31 10 27 0 37

Journalists 6 8 4 2 2 25 0 27

Lobby and Community Groups 10 4 3 2 1 6 1 8

Politicians 14 7 0 1 0 5 0 5

Prisoners 52 25 24 22 11 9 21 41

Unspecified N/A N/A N/A 13 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Public Servant N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 0 4 5

Total 342 264 289 340 98 224 117 439

Profile of applicants making external review applications

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–2010

FOI RTI IPA Total

Boards/Commissions/GOC 40 50 25 76 10 38 17 65

Departments 191 138 182 187 63 121 86 270

Local Governments 84 54 68 36 22 51 10 83

Universities 25 15 7 15 3 6 3 12

Ministers 1 4 4 1 0 5 0 5

Other Bodies 1 3 3 25 0 3 1 4

Total 342 264 289 340 98 224 117 439

Applications received by agency profile

TAble 7: The applications received in each year for the past five years against the agency profile

TAble 6 shows the profile of applicants who made external review applications in the past four years. Equivalent figures were not reported in 2004–05.


RTI Requirements Outcome

Right to Information Regulation Part 4 s7

(d) the number of times and the way in which the commissioner has used the entitlement to full and free access to documents under section 100 of the Act

N/A

(e) the number of applications made under section 114 of the Act for a declaration that a person is a vexatious applicant and the number of declarations under that section made by the commissioner

0


(f) the number of applications for extension of the 10 year period received by the commissioner under schedule 4, part 4, item 1 of the Act and the commissioner’s decision for each application.

0


(a) the number of applications by non-profit organisations for financial hardship status under section 67 of the Act

2

RTI Regulation reporting requirements not elsewhere captured within the Annual Report

TAble 9: Reporting requirements under RTI Regulation Part 4 s7

Outcome of review 2005–2006 2006–2007 2007–2008 2008–2009 2009–2010

FOI RTI IPA Total

Decision under s.89 of FOI Act, s.110 of the RTI Act, s.123 of the IP Act

72 79 59 76 32 2 1 35

– Affirming agency decision 45 46 20 43 8 0 0 8

– Varying agency decision 20 17 31 15 14 0 1 15

– Setting aside agency decision 7 16 8 18 10 2 0 12

Review settled informally 223 142 125 156 100 99 68 267

Determination of review not required 41 87 100 127 31 24 16 71

Decision application is out of jurisdiction - ss.12, 73 of the FOI Act, ss.52, 101 IP

Act, ss.32, 88 of the RTI Act

Notreported

60 74 103 19 15 9 43

Decision not to deal with application - s.77 of FOI Act, s.107 of IPA Act, s.94

of the RTI Act

Notreported

16 7 4 3 0 0 3

Decision to allow agency further time to deal with application - s.79 of FOI Act, s.106 IP Act, s.93 RTI Act

Notreported

11 19 20 9 9 7 25

Total 336 308 284 359 163 125 85 373

Outcomes of reviews 2005–2010

TAble 8: The outcomes of reviews finalised during the reporting period

Information Privacy Requirements Outcome

Information Privacy Regulation Part 4 s5

(c) the number of times and the way in which the commissioner has used the entitlement to full and free access to documents under section 113 of the Act

N/A

(d) the number of applications made under section 127 of the Act for a declaration that a person is a vexatious applicant and the number of declarations under that section made by the commissioner

0


(e) approval of waivers or modifications of the privacy principles under chapter 4, part 5 of the Act

0


(f) compliance notices given under chapter 4, part 6 of the Act. 0

Information Privacy Regulation Part 4 s5(2)

(c) the categories of relevant entities to which the complaints relate; and (c) Queensland State departments

(d) the provisions of the privacy principles to which the complaints relate; and (d) The complaints related to Privacy Principles 9 and 11 which respectively provide for:

Privacy Principle 9 – Use of personal information only for relevant purpose and Information

Privacy Principle 11 – Limits on Disclosure.

(e) the number of complaints referred by the commissioner to other entities under section 169 of the Act; and

(e) The Information Commissioner did not refer any complaints to other entities under section 169 of the IP Act.

(f) the number and type of complaints resolved by agreement after mediation (f) There was only one complaint under active consideration at the end of the reporting period which could potentially be resolved by mediation.

IP Regulation reporting requirements not elsewhere captured within the Annual Report

TAble 10: Reporting requirements under IP Regulation Part 4 s5


Applications for external review 2009–2010 by respondent agency or Minister

FOI RTI IPA Total

Minister

Minister for Child Safety and Sport 0 2 0 2

Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability 0 1 0 1

Premier 0 2 0 2

0 5 0 5

Departments

Department of Transport and Main Roads 2 12 1 15

Department of the Premier and Cabinet 0 3 1 4

Department of Public Works 0 1 1 2

Department of Police 5 20 23 48

Department of Justice and Attorney-General 5 8 2 15

Department of Infrastructure and Planning 1 6 0 7

Department of Health 18 29 31 78

Department of Environment and Resource Management 5 12 1 18

Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation 6 4 0 10

Department of Education, Training and the Arts 1 0 0 1

Department of Education and Training 2 8 3 13

Department of Corrective Services 0 0 2 2

Department of Community Safety 4 5 6 15

Department of Communities 14 13 15 42

63 121 86 270

Boards, Commissions, GOCs

WorkCover Queensland 0 1 0 1

Wide Bay Water Corporation 0 2 0 2

Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland 0 0 1 1

Sunwater Ltd 0 2 0 2

South Bank Corporation 0 1 0 1

Safe Food Queensland 0 1 0 1

Residential Tenancies Authority 1 2 1 4

Queensland Rail 0 4 4 8

Queensland Nursing Council 0 1 0 1

The Public Trustee of Queensland 0 1 0 1

Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd 0 1 0 1

Queensland Performing Arts Centre 0 1 0 1

Queensland Law Society Inc 0 1 0 1

Queensland Art Gallery 0 1 0 1

Public Service Commission 0 1 0 1

Office of the Information Commissioner 1 0 1 2

Office of Health Practitioner Registration Boards 1 1 0 2

Mental Health Review Tribunal 0 1 0 1

Medical Board of Queensland 0 0 2 2

Legal Services Commission 0 1 0 1

Health Quality and Complaints Commission 1 0 1 2

Legal Aid Queensland 3 0 3 6

Forestry Plantations Queensland Office 0 1 0 1

FOI RTI IPA Total

Building Services Authority 1 5 2 8

Crime and Misconduct Commission 0 2 1 3

Far North Queensland Ports Corporation Ltd 0 1 0 1

Ergon Energy 1 3 0 4

Energex 0 1 0 1

Disability Services Queensland 1 0 0 1

City North Infrastructure 0 2 1 3

10 38 17 65

Local Governments

Whitsunday Regional Council 0 1 0 1

Treasury Department 2 2 0 4

Townsville City Council 0 4 2 6

Tablelands Regional Council 0 1 0 1

Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2 1 0 3

Scenic Rim Regional Council 1 0 0 1

Rockhampton Regional Council 4 2 2 8

Redland City Council 1 5 0 6

Moreton Bay Regional Council 2 1 0 3

Mackay Regional Council 0 2 0 2

Logan City Council 0 1 1 2

Lockyer Valley Regional Council 2 4 0 6

Ipswich City Council 0 4 1 5

Gold Coast Motor Events Co 0 1 0 1

Gold Coast City Council 0 3 4 7

Gladstone Regional Council 0 1 0 1

Fraser Coast Regional Council 0 3 0 3

Cairns Regional Council 3 3 0 6

Brisbane City Council 5 12 0 17

22 51 10 83

Universities

The University of Southern Queensland 0 1 0 1

Griffith University 0 2 0 2

James Cook University 1 0 0 1

The University of Queensland 2 3 3 8

3 6 3 12

Other

No Applicable Agency 0 1 0 1

Greyhounds Queensland 0 1 0 1

Centrelink 0 1 0 1

Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia 0 0 1 1

0 3 1 4

Total 98 223 117 439

TAble 11: Applications for external review 20090–2010 by respondent agency or Minister


Review Number Agency Date of

Decision Outcome Access/Amendment Refused/Granted

Relevant Provisions of FOI, RT, IPA Act where access/amendment refused

210563HealthQualityandComplaintsCommission 9-Jul-09 SetAside Accessgranted FOIActs.46(1)(a)

210604 DepartmentofChildSafety 9-Jul-09 SetAside Accessgranted FOIActs.44(1)s.48(1)

210797 BrisbaneCityCouncil 15-Jul-09 SetAside Accessgranted(inpart) FOIActs.46(1)(a),s.46(2),s.41(1)(a)

210713 RedlandCityCouncil 6-Aug-09 Varied Accessrefused FOIAct42(1)(b)

210678 BrisbaneCityCouncil 10-Aug-09 Affirmed Accessrefused FOIActs.28(a)

210511 TreasuryDepartment 24-Aug-09 Varied Accessrefused FOIActs.11(a),s.45

210844 JamesCookUniversity 25-Aug-09 Affirmed Accessrefused FOIActs.44(1)

210867DepartmentofCorrectiveServices 27-Aug-09 Affirmed Accessrefused FOIActs.11(e)

210822 GoldCoastCityCouncil 14-Sep-09 SetAside Accessgranted FOIActs.49

210653 WorkCoverQueensland 21-Sep-09 Varied Amendmentrefused FOIActs.54E

210545 BananaShireCouncil 30-Sep-09 Varied Accessgranted(inpart) FOIActs.44(1)

210698 PublicServiceCommission 9-Oct-09 Affirmed Accessrefused FOIActs.28A(1)

210609 BananaShireCouncil 9-Oct-09 Varied Accessgranted(inpart) FOIActs.44(1)

220006 DepartmentofPolice 12-Oct-09 SetAside Decision;s.55neitherconfirmnordeny FOIActs.55(1)

210706DepartmentofNaturalResourcesandWater 19-Oct-09 SetAside Accessgranted FOIActs.45(1)(c),

s.46((1)(b)ors.41(1)

210558 DepartmentofPolice 21-Oct-09 Varied Accessrefused FOIActs.28A(1),s.28A(2)

210826HealthQualityandComplaintsCommission 9-Nov-09 Varied Accessrefused FOIActs.11A,s.28A

210674DepartmentofEmploymentandIndustrialRelations 19-Nov-09 Varied

Decision;noreasonablegroundsthatadditionaldocsexist

FOIActs.28A(1)

210849FraserCoastRegionalCouncil 25-Nov-09 Affirmed Accessgranted FOIActs.42(1),

S.44(1),s.46(1)(b)

210716DepartmentofNaturalResourcesandWater 16-Dec-09 SetAside Accessgranted(inpart) FOIActs.45(1)(c),

s.46

210945 DepartmentofHealth 21-Dec-09 Affirmed Accessrefused FOIActs.44(1),s.46(1)(a)

210813 GoldCoastCityCouncil 21-Dec-09 Varied Accessrefused FOIActs.28A(1)

210811EnvironmentalProtectionAgency 23-Dec-09 SetAside Accessgranted

FOIActs.45(1)(a),s.45(1)(b),s.45(1)(c),s.45(3)

210812EnvironmentalProtectionAgency 23-Dec-09 SetAside Accessgranted

FOIActs.45(1)(a),s.45(1)(b),s.45(1)(c),s.45(3)

210820 DepartmentofHealth 10-Feb-10 SetAside Accessgranted(inpart) FOIActs.40(c)

210902DepartmentofEducation,TrainingandtheArts 15-Feb-10 Affirmed Accessrefused FOIActs.27(3),

s.27(4)

Outcomes of decisions

Review Number Agency Date of

Decision Outcome Access/Amendment Refused/Granted

Relevant Provisions of FOI, RT, IPA Act where access/amendment refused

270019 DepartmentofHealth 15-Mar-10 Varied Accessrefused IPAct-s.67(1)

210923 DepartmentofPolice 24-Mar-10 Varied Accessrefused FOIActs.44(1)

220004 CityNorthInfrastructure 31-Mar-10 SetAside Decision;s.14-respondentisanagency(underappeal) RTIAct-s.16(1)(a)(ii)

210795 DepartmentofHealth 8-Apr-10 Affirmed Accessrefused FOIActs.44(1)

210962DepartmentofJusticeandAttorney-General 25-May-10 Varied Accessrefused FOIActs.44(1)

210801DepartmentofJusticeandAttorney-General 26-May-10 Varied Accessrefused FOIActs.42(3)(a)

210590 DepartmentofHealth 8-Jun-10 Varied Accessgranted(inpart) FOIActs.40(c),s.44(1)

210914 DepartmentofHealth 30-Jun-10 SetAside Accessgranted(inpart) FOIActs.44(1)

210956OfficeofHealthPractitionerRegistrationBoards 30-Jun-10 Varied

Decision;noreasonablegroundsthatadditionaldocsexist

FOIActs.28A(1),s.28A(2)

TAble 12: Outcomes of decisions


Financial Statements

OfficeoftheInformationCommissionerQueenslandFinancialStatements

for the financial year ended 30 June 2010

Printed on Ecostar. The recycled fibre in Ecostar is first quality 100% post-consumer (PC) and is FSC Chain of Custody certified. The PC fibre is sourced close to the mill requiring less transport and thus reducing greenhouse emissions.

• Process Chlorine Free (PCF)

• ISO 14001

• FSC Certified Mill

• 100% Recycled

• 100% Post Consumer Waste

Checklist Annual Report Requirements for Queensland Government Agencies

Summary of requirement Basis for requirement Annual report reference

Accessibility Table of contents Glossary

ARRs – section 8.1

Public availability ARRs – section 8.2 inside front cover Interpreter service statement Queensland Government Language Services Policy inside front cover Copyright notice Copyright Act 1968 inside front cover

Letter of Compliance A letter of compliance from the accountable officer or statutory body to the relevant Minister(s)

ARRs – section 9 page 2

Introductory Information

Agency role and main functions Operating environment External scrutiny Machinery of Government changes Review of proposed forward operations

ARRs – section 10.3ARRs – section 10.3ARRs – section 10.3ARRs – section 10.3ARRs – section 10.3

pages 3–13

Non-Financial Performance

Government objectives for the community ARRs – section 11.2 pages 3–13 Agency objectives and performance indicators ARRs – section 11.5 pages 14–35 Agency outputs and output performance measures ARRs – section 11.6 pages 14–35

Financial Performance Summary of financial performance ARRs – section 12.1 Disclosure of budget v actual results ARRs – section 12.2 Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Statement ARRs – section 12.3

Governance – Management and Structure

Organisational structure ARRs – section 13.1 pages 3–5 Executive management ARRs – section 13.2 pages 9 Related entities ARRs – section 13.3 N/A Schedule of statutory authorities or instrumentalities

ARRs – section 13.4 N/A

Boards and committees ARRs – section 13.5 N/A Public Sector Ethics Act 1994- implementation statement giving details of

the action taken during the reporting period

Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 (section 23 and Schedule)

page 12

Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994 - public interest disclosures received

Whistleblowers Protection Act 1994(sections 30–31 and Schedule)

page 13

Governance – Risk Management and Accountability

Risk management ARRs – section 14.1 page 12 Audit committee ARRs – section 14.2

Internal audit ARRs – section 14.3

Governance – Human Resources

Workforce planning, attraction and retention ARRs – section 15.1 page 11 Early Retirement, Redundancy and Retrenchment Directive No.17/09 Early Retirement, Redundancy and Retrenchment N/A Initiatives for women ARRs – section 15.1 and 15.3 N/A

Governance - Operations Consultancies ARRs – section 16.1 page 11 Overseas travel ARRs – section 16.2 page 11 Information systems and recordkeeping Public Records Act 2002 page 10–11 Waste management Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000,

Environmental Protection Act 1994 page 13

Other Prescribed Requirements

Indigenous matters (Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan 2009–2012)

Queensland Government Reconciliation Action Plan 2009–2012 N/A

Shared services ARRs – section 17.1 N/A Carbon emissions Premier’s Statement page 13

Optional Information that may be Reported

Corrections to previous annual reports ARRs – section 18.2 Nil Right to Information Right to Information Act 2009 N/A Information Privacy Information Privacy Act 2009 N/A Native Title N/A N/A

Financial Statements Annual general purpose financial statements Financial Reporting Requirements for Queensland Government Agencies

Certification of financial statements FA Act – section 62FPMS – sections 42, 43 and 50

Independent Auditors Report FA Act – section 62FPMS – section 50

Remuneration disclosures Financial Reporting Requirements for Queensland Government Agencies

FA ACT Financial Accountability Act 2009FPMS Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009ARRs Annual Report Requirements for Queensland Government Agencies

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Office of the Information CommissionerQueensland

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