PAGE 4 Report to Governance, Finance & Community Service Committee meeting on 19 March 2018
4.0
GOVERNANCE REPORTS
4.1
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE & RIGHT TO INFORMATION POLICY File: 26315 D501239
RELEVANCE TO COUNCIL’S PLANS & POLICIES Council’s Strategic Plan 2009-2030: Strategy 5.8.2
Ensure access to Council information that meets user demands, is easy to understand, whilst complying with legislative requirements
SUMMARY The Information Disclosure & Right to Information Policy has been developed to provide guidelines and set out legislative obligations to support the transparent and consistent provision of information held by Council, as a public authority, that is subject to public request or made public via active or routine disclosure methods.
BACKGROUND The Right to Information Act 2009 provides the public with a legally enforceable avenue to request access to information and documentation held by a public authority.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS The provision and disclosure of information by Council, as a public authority, is regulated by the Right to Information Act 2009. The Act seeks to facilitate greater access to information held by public bodies, and promote routine and active disclosure of information, whilst providing a formal process for the public to request information held by public authorities. Council is also required to comply with the requirements of the Personal Information Protection Act 2004, which provides a framework for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information gained by Council through the provision of its operations and activities.
DISCUSSION Council policies are developed to assist Council staff in decision making and consistency in approach to areas of Council’s operations and responsibilities. Council policies relate to matters that are of direct relevance to ratepayers and/or the community. Council policies seek to meet community expectations and standards. This Policy has been developed to support and succinctly capture Council’s requirements and obligations in regard to information disclosure, right to information requests specifically, and to assist in compliance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT No community engagement was undertaken in respect of this report.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are no financial implications as a result of this report.
ITEM 4.1