Information Commissioner releases NSW Community Attitudes Survey results for Right to Know Week NSW 2024
Today, the NSW Information Commissioner, Rachel McCallum, published the results of the Information and Privacy Commission’s (IPC) latest survey of NSW community attitudes towards information access and data sharing, for Right to Know Week NSW 2024.
The results provide an insight into the NSW community’s views about accessing government information, including their experiences seeking access to information across the five IPC-oversighted sectors, including through formal access applications.
Overall, the results indicate that 91% of respondents felt that their right to access government information was important, a 2% increase from 2022.
Information Access
Over half (55%) of all respondents were aware of their right to access information under NSW information access laws from NSW public sector agencies, consistent with the past three surveys.
However, reported success in accessing information has declined steadily since 2014, with only 63% of respondents reporting success in 2024 compared to 91% in 2014.
Information Commissioner, Rachel McCallum, said, “The results from the 2024 Community Attitudes Survey provide an important insight into the community’s level of awareness and understanding of their information access rights.
“While the 2024 results are consistent across many areas over the last decade, the perceived decline in success accessing requested information over the last decade will be analysed more closely by the IPC.”
Also, for the first time this year, respondents were asked if they were aware of the NSW Information Commissioner. Only around one quarter (24%) reported that they were.
Commissioner McCallum said, “This year’s research identified an opportunity to raise awareness of the role of the NSW Information Commissioner in dealing with complaints, across all age and gender groups. The IPC will consider this finding and liaise with key stakeholders to understand how we can promote the way the Commissioner and the IPC champion and protect transparency rights in NSW.”
Data Sharing
In 2024, 85% of respondents agreed that agencies should publicly report on the information they maintain, compared to 77% reported in 2022.
Meanwhile, 84% of respondents agreed that agencies should report on their use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), compared to 71% in 2022.
Commissioner McCallum, said, “The results reaffirm that the NSW public continues to value and see importance in agencies being transparent about the information that they hold.
“Increased support from survey respondents for agencies to report on their use of AI also reflects an increased focus on the ethical implications of new technologies.
“As AI and automated decision-making transform public services, it is important that NSW agencies be proactive about transparency to ensure these new processes help, not hinder, public participation.
“Celebrations for Right to Know Week NSW focus this year on how rights to access government information make public participation both possible and meaningful. These survey results show the public’s ongoing interest in participating in government through access to information.
“I encourage the NSW community and NSW agencies to reflect on the importance of transparency and greater openness in government and how this can support a culture of integrity.”
The full results from the Community Attitudes Survey can be downloaded via the IPC website.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
The Manager, Communications and Corporate Affairs on 0435 961 691 or email communications@ipc.nsw.gov.au
About the Information and Privacy Commission:
The Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC) is an independent integrity agency that supports the NSW Information Commissioner and the NSW Privacy Commissioner. Its vision is that privacy and access to government information are valued and protected n NSW. The Information Commissioner is the chief executive of the Commission.
About the NSW Information Commissioner
The NSW Information Commissioner’s statutory role includes promoting public awareness and understanding of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act); providing information, advice, assistance and training to agencies and the public; dealing with complaints about agencies; investigating agencies’ systems, policies and practices; and reporting on compliance with the GIPA Act.
The Government Information (Information Commissioner) Act 2009 (GIIC Act) establishes the procedures for appointing the Information Commissioner and sets out the Commissioner's powers and functions. It outlines the method for people to complain about the conduct of agencies when undertaking their duties under the GIPA Act, and the way in which the Information Commissioner may deal with the complaint. The GIIC Act also enables the Information Commissioner to investigate and report on how agencies carry out their functions under the GIPA Act.
For further information about the IPC visit our website at http://www.ipc.nsw.gov.au
