Information Commissioner demonstrates commitment to open and effective regulation

NSW Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd has announced the release of two key publications that articulate the Information and Privacy Commission NSW’s (IPC) focus priorities for 2016 – 2017.

Announced in her quarterly CEO Update (link no longer available) on Friday, 29 July 2016, Ms Tydd released the IPC Regulatory Framework, being trialled in the delivery of information access regulatory services, and the Information Commissioner’s Regulatory Plan 2016 – 2017 (link no longer available).

“Both the IPC Regulatory Framework and the Information Commissioner’s Regulatory Plan are central to the IPC’s strategic, risk-based and intelligence-led approach to regulation in 2016 – 2017,” said Ms Tydd.

“Providing regulated sectors and the general public with a clear statement of jurisdiction and regulatory approach is a clear manifestation of the IPC’s commitment to open and transparent regulation. Importantly, together, the Regulatory Framework and Regulatory Plan give the public and agencies a better understanding of the work of the IPC,” Ms Tydd said.

The Regulatory Plan for 2016 – 2017 sets out the IPC’s four regulatory priorities for the coming year:

• Priority One: Delivery of regulatory guidance to assist agencies to improve compliance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009
• Priority Two: Examine and elevate effective information release
• Priority Three: Continue to deliver effective protection and promotion of information access rights
• Priority Four: Improve our capacity to deliver risk-based proactive regulatory action to drive improved compliance by agencies.

The Information Commissioner’s Regulatory Plan will be released annually and will allow regulated agencies to proactively and voluntarily respond to the IPC’s priority areas in the context of their own operations. This facilitates compliance and reduces the need for more targeted IPC regulatory action.

Ms Tydd is currently available for interviews to discuss the IPC Regulatory Framework and the Information Commissioner’s Regulatory Plan 2016 – 2017.

Please contact Kate Jobling on 0435 961 691 or email ipcinfo@ipc.nsw.gov.au to make your request.

For more information on the IPC, please visit www.ipc.nsw.gov.au