Media Release: Cross-Bench Flushes Out Government’s Over-Due RTI Response

March 17, 2026

Cross-Bench Flushes Out Government’s Over-Due RTI Response

17 March 2026

Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today welcomed the over-due government response to the independent Snell and McCormack review’s report Getting Back on Track: Independent Review of Tasmania’s Right to Information Framework.

Ms Webb said this is another example of pressure from Independent and crossbench MPs forcing the Government’s hand.

“Finally!  The government’s belated response to the report of the independent review of our RTI framework, has been flushed out at the eleventh hour thanks to two Independent MPs’ imminent debates calling for action on that report’s recommendations,” Ms Webb said.

“Make no mistake about it.  If my motion on the independent RTI Review report was not scheduled for debate in the Legislative Council today, followed by Kristie Johnston’s planned debate on the release of Cabinet documents in the Assembly tomorrow, the Rockliff Government would not have suddenly released its over-due response at 6:01 this morning.

“This is another example of the Rockliff government being dragged kicking and screaming towards implementing necessary transparency and integrity reforms due to ongoing pressure from Independent MPs and the crossbench.”

Ms Webb said the prospect of both Houses of Parliament voting within one week for action on the RTI Review Report’s recommendations has forced the Rockliff government’s hand.

Ms Webb said the independent RTI Review’s Terms of Reference specifically required the government to release its formal response within three months of the receipt of the review’s report, which was released in September last year.

“The Government’s response to the RTI report is three months overdue, yet without explanation or apology for its lateness, it finally appears, and sadly it is disappointing.

“Only 17 of the Report’s 43 Recommendations have received a clear acceptance and support by the government.  That is less than 40 per cent of the total recommendations the Government intends to prioritise implementing.

“A further 15 recommendations have in-principle support but given the Government’s commentary regarding complexity, it is safe to assume we won’t see action on those items anytime soon.

“The final 11 recommendations have merely been noted with no commitment for action.  This is simply not good enough.”