RTIs of Interest and discussions on RTI

[SurfRail]

I suspect at least some of the documents they are looking for can't be found because they are on a fishing expedition for things that don't actually exist and never did - among other things those guys are always banging on about some sort of "post-impelementation review", something for which there is no actual suggestion as far as I know actually exists.  It's then all too easy for them to lay into the State for being intransigent because the non-existent documents "can't be found".

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Secret cabinet documents to be revealed under new laws $

Queenslanders will no longer have to wait decades to see what State Cabinet has deliberated on, with new laws introduced to Parliament setting the stage for the rapid release of the normally secret documents.

The legislation paves the way for the changes proposed last year by Professor Peter Coaldrake's landmark review of government integrity culture by putting in place protections for the public release of the sensitive information.

The Coaldrake review said voters would have more trust in their government if decisions were "made in the open, and subject to scrutiny".

Currently State Cabinet documents are kept secret for 20 years.

The suite of measures included in the Bill also include making it mandatory that the government inform someone when their private information has been obtained in a data breach. ...

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99263

RTI and privacy laws strengthened to further protect individuals

29th November 2023

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Yvette D'Ath

. Mandatory data breach notification scheme passed by State parliament.

. Queensland's RTI and privacy laws strengthened.

. More efficient RTI and information privacy access.

Queensland government agencies will be subject to new requirements for managing personal information, and a mandatory data breach scheme will be established, after the Information Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 was passed by parliament today.

The information privacy reforms are currently expected to begin on 1 July 2025, with the commencement of the mandatory data breach notification scheme as it applies to local governments not commencing until 1 July 2026.

The legislation improves privacy protections available to individuals while the mandatory data breach notification scheme will strengthen and regulate the response to data breaches by government agencies.

It will require agencies to notify affected individuals and the Office of the Information Commissioner of eligible data breaches that could result in serious harm.

Queensland and New South Wales are the only Australian states to legislate such a scheme.

Notifying individuals under the new scheme means they will be empowered to take action to manage risks and mitigate harm from a data breach.

The requirement for notification will prompt agencies to consider data security issues and will make them more proactive in preventing and managing data breaches.

Other improvements include:

. Greater consistency with the Commonwealth Privacy Act

. Reforms to the Right to Information framework to reduce red tape and deliver efficiencies for applicants and agencies; and

. Amendments to the Criminal Code to increase the maximum penalty for conduct relating to the misuse of restricted computers.

The Act was passed following several reviews, including two key reports of the Crime and Corruption Commission, a review of right to information and privacy legislation, and the Coaldrake review into the Queensland public sector.

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D'Ath:

"This legislation responds to a wide range of recommendations outlined in several key reports.

"In doing so, it implements critical reforms which go to the heart of Queensland's integrity framework.

"We are proud to have this legislation pass through Parliament and it shows the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to integrity and transparency.

"The mandatory data breach notification scheme is significant and will enhance public confidence in Queensland's privacy laws.

"Everyone is aware of high-profile data breaches in recent years.

"That's why we have progressed these reforms to ensure individuals are notified of data breaches of Queensland government agencies which are likely to result in serious harm.

"This will empower affected individuals to take action that will reduce the risk of adversity from a data breach."

ENDS