The Government is committed to transparency and accountability. This week during Budget Estimates, the Government will provide comprehensive detail on the budget.
However, we are committed to setting a higher standard during the rest of the year too.
The Government will soon institute a new policy to ensure that more Government information is shared with the public. I have directed all Government agencies to publish Right To Information requests online within 48 hours of them being sent to the applicant.
Quite often it is only journalists or Members of Parliament that ask for, and have access to, Right To Information documents. Under our changes, every Tasmanian will be able to access that information for themselves.
While this is one of the biggest reforms since Right To Information laws were introduced, it brings Tasmania into line with Queensland and the Federal Government.
This will only apply to public interest Right To Information requests, not requests for personal information.
This policy has the support of the Ombudsman and the Solicitor-General.