News: Right to Know Week NSW 2019

Access to Information: Leaving no one behind in the digital age

Last week, the IPC celebrated Right to Know Week (RTKW) 2019. The theme: Access to Information: Leaving no one behind in the digital age focused on the ways accessing government information has not only changed, but become more efficient with the introduction of better digital technologies. 

The IPC hosted two public sector events on Wednesday 2 October: a symposium and a workshop. 

The Public Sector Leaders’ Symposium topic was What’s in the Public Interest – accountability and access to information in the Digital Age and was officially launched by the Attorney General, the Hon. Mark Speakman SC MP.

The panel, facilitated by NSW Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd, featured leading authorities in law and automation of government decisions, public interest, ethical considerations and artificial intelligence including Prof Lyria Bennett Moses, Assoc Prof Jane Johnston and Dr Finn Lattimore. William Murphy Deputy Secretary, Customer, Delivery and Transformation, Department of Customer Service brought a contemporary public sector perspective.

The Information Access Practitioner Workshop: Substantial and unreasonable diversion of resources – what are the requirements to search, to assist and to decide was designed to help GIPA officers undertake effective searches, give advice and assist applicants, meeting the new requirements under sections 60(3A) and (3B) of GIPA Act and assist in the decision making process.

The IPC RTK Champions program attracted 45 NSW public sector agencies and organisations including councils. Thank you to all of our champions who took part. It was great to see so much support for the campaign. See some of our Champions below:

It’s always important to make sure that you know what your rights are. See all of the IPC's fact sheets and information for NSW citizens.

Read more about the NSW Information Commissioner here.