International Access to Information Day
International Access to Information Day (IAID) is celebrated annually on 28 September to raise awareness of the importance of open government, and the public’s right to access government-held information.
This right to access information held by government is essential for transparent and accountable government in a democratic society, by promoting and facilitating greater public participation and scrutiny, and supporting better decision-making.
OVIC will celebrate IAID from 23 – 26 September, exploring the theme: Mainstreaming access to information and participation in the public sector.
It is important that all agencies promote and encourage the rights of citizens to access information.
To bring access to information into the mainstream, the process should be transparent and easy to understand. A strong understanding of the right to access information gives citizens the confidence to request information. This increases participation in key democratic activities that shape the way our state is governed.
This year, we’ll be hosting a number of events to help agencies make access to information better facilitated and understood by the Victorian public.
We’re also producing some digital resources – email signatures, social media banners and animations – to help start the conversation at your agency and beyond. You can access these below.
OVIC is one of the jurisdictions around the country hosting events and sharing resources this IAID – we encourage your organisation to get involved and help mainstream access to information in the public sector!
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Events
IAID panel discussion: Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector
Tuesday 24 September 2024
To commemorate IAID this year, OVIC is hosting a panel event with Information Commissioners from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Commonwealth. The discussion will be focused on the IAID theme, with panellists touching on a range of matters relevant to information access.
The panel discussion will be facilitated by Associate Professor Johan Lidberg, Head of Journalism, Monash University.
IAID Panel Discussion – Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector
The Solomon Lecture (Hosted by the Office of the Information Commissioner, Queensland)
Thursday 26 September 2024
Professor AJ Brown AM from Griffith University will give this year’s Solomon lecture, which will be followed by a facilitated panel discussion on this year’s IAID theme, ‘Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector’.
IAID Lightning Talk: Working with vulnerable groups seeking access to information
Wednesday 25 September
It can be challenging for some members of the community to access their right to request documents under FOI. This presentation will provide practical tips for agencies on what they can do to assist vulnerable groups seeking access to information.
This presentation will be given by Michelle Goldberg and Nick Newlands from Fitzroy Legal Service.
Lightning Talk: Working with vulnerable groups seeking access to information
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: IAID Event
Wednesday 25 September
Hear from the Australian Information Commissioner and FOI Commissioner, National Data Commissioner Gayle Milnes, CEO of the Digital Transformation Agency Chris Fechner and Chief Executive Officer of Digital Health Amanda Cattermole PSM.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner website (external link to oaic.gov.au)
Resources
Starter pack
Download all of our social media collateral for International Access to Information Day (IAID) in a single .zip file. Alternatively, download each image separately below by right clicking on the image and saving to your computer.
Email signature
General IAID campaign social media image
IAID panel discussion social media image
OVIC lightning talk social media image
Animations
International Access to Information Day 2024
How to release information proactively and informally
OVIC encourages Victorian government agencies to release information proactively and informally where possible. This video provides an overview of proactive and informal release, benefits, and tips on how to do so.
Accessing your health records
Requesting changes to your information
Some NICE tips for making an FOI request
How to make an FOI request in Victoria
What to expect when making an FOI complaint
What to expect when requesting an FOI review
