Archive:  FOI

Last Updated  27/3/08

 

 

"Coalition To Block Hulls’ Dodgy Freedom Of Information Laws" - Media Release

(3/3/08 - SG)  Coalition stands up for continued community access to FOI.

MRRA has received from the office of MLC Richard Dalla-Riva a copy of a media release issued by the State Coalition (dated 18/2/08) which articulates an intention by the Coalition to try to block the less distinguished elements of the Brumby government's proposed revamp of FOI laws in the Upper House.  Success will depend upon getting support from all non-government members to stop changes which would diminish the public's access to FOI.   Click here to see the Coalition's media release.  Click here to see the Brumby government's media release announcing the FOI changes (20 November 2007).  Note: The Greens in the Upper House have already stated their opposition. 

 

MRRA Says:

This really is good news for democracy and accountability.  Our thanks go to Richard Dalla-Riva and Ted Baillieu for updating us on the Coalition's position on this issue.

 

Stop Press:  The combined forces of the Coalition Liberal and National parties and the Greens defeated the Bill in the Upper House at last Thursday's parliamentary sitting.  Here is what the Minutes of the Proceedings No. 57 say:

 

"9     FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AMENDMENT BILL 2007 — Debate resumed on the question, That the Bill be now read a second time.

       Business having been interrupted at 12 noon pursuant to Sessional Orders —

 

10   QUESTIONS — Questions without notice were taken pursuant to Standing Order 8.04 and answers to certain questions on notice were circulated pursuant to Standing Order 8.10.

 

11   FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AMENDMENT BILL 2007 — Debate continued on the question, That the Bill be now read a second time.

 

Question — put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time and committed to a Committee of the whole.

House in Committee.

The President resumed the Chair; and the Deputy President having reported that the Committee had agreed to the Bill with amendments, the Report was adopted.

Mr Madden moved, That the Bill be now read a third time.

Question — That the Bill be now read a third time and do pass — put.

The Council divided — The President in the Chair.

 

AYES, 20                                                                        NOES, 20

Ms Broad

Ms Darveniza

Mr Eideh

Mr Elasmar

Mr Jennings

Mr Kavanagh

Mr Leane

Mr Lenders

Mr Madden

Ms Mikakos

Mr Pakula

Ms Pulford

Mr Scheffer

Mr Smith

Mr Somyurek

Mr Tee

Mr Theophanous

Mr Thornley (Teller)

Ms Tierney (Teller)

Mr Viney

Mr Atkinson

Mr Barber (Teller)

Mrs Coote

Mr Dalla-Riva

Mr D.M. Davis

Mr P.R. Davis

Mr Drum

Mr Finn

Mr Guy

Mr Hall

Ms Hartland

Mr Koch (Teller)

Mrs Kronberg

Ms Lovell

Mr O’Donohue

Ms Pennicuik

Mrs Petrovich

Mrs Peulich

Mr Rich-Phillips

Mr Vogels

         The Ayes and Noes being equal, the question was negatived.      

         Bill returned to the Assembly with a Message acquainting them that the Council have rejected the Bill."

 

 

Victorian FOI Laws Under Attack, Say Greens

(24/2/08 - SG)  Greg Barber calls for you to tell decision-makers to think again before watering down FOI access because departments find them inconvenient

Click here for more information and politicians' contact details.