International Access to Information Day 2024
Every year since 2015 on 28 September we acknowledge the importance of information access and more recently information privacy.
The OIC WA joins the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), the United Nations and other Australian states and territories in marking International Access to Information Day (IAID) 2024.
This year’s UNESCO theme for the day is ‘Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector’. You can find out more about this theme and UNESCO's work to promote this special day on the UNESCO website.
IAID is an opportunity to consider what you need to know about accessing information, and how government agencies can provide documents.
Visit the OAIC website for more information and stay up to date with the latest information through OIC WA's new LinkedIn page.
Message from the Commissioner
In September we officially welcome spring, but we are well into the Noongar season of Djilba - the days start to warm, flowers bloom, and the cold season is officially over for another year.
28 September marks an important date on the FOI calendar, International Access to Information Day. It serves as a reminder that the right to access information held by government is essential for transparent and accountable public sector decision making. Last year Acting Australian Freedom of Information Commissioner Toni Pirani filmed her thoughts about access to information and government transparency. Her reflections are as relevant now as they were back then.
You can watch the video here.
Some may think of FOI as only being appealing to journalists, researchers and members of the Opposition. However, the right of access is for all members of the community and the benefits of accountability and transparency are key factors for agencies to build trusting, authentic relationships with the community and other stakeholders.
The FOI Act, the work of the OIC WA and open, transparent and safe agency information access practices work together to support an individual's right to engage in government, while also protecting privacy.
IAID events from across Australia
Thursday 26 September
|
10-11am AEST
(8-9am Perth time)
|
OIC QLD |
Annual Solomon Lecture (online)
The annual Solomon Lecture is a signature event marking International Access to Information Day. This year the keynote will be delivered by Professor AJ Brown AM, a professor of public policy and law in the School of Government and International Relations at Griffith University.
Professor Brown's keynote is titled, ‘Push, Pull and Public Trust: Taking stock of citizens’ rights to know in a ‘Free Assange’ Australia’.
The 2024 Solomon Lecture will be followed by a panel discussion involving Professor Brown, the Australian Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd and others. The event will be livestreamed, and you can follow the session at oic.qld.gov.au/iaid2024.
Visit https://www.oic.qld.gov.au/training-and-events/international-access-to-information-day for more details.
|
Other resources for IAID 2024
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner – International Access to Information Day
Information and Privacy Commission New South Wales – Right to Know Week NSW 2022
Office of the Information Commissioner Queensland – International Access to Information Day 2022
Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner – International Access to Information Day
UNESCO – International Day for Universal Access to Information
Previous IAID Celebrations at the OIC WA
IAID 2021
IAID 2020