Media Release – Where are Latest Ministerial Diaries?
Government Fails Disclosure Commitment
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb said today the Liberal government is not living up to its own transparency standards by continuing to fail to disclose ministerial diaries in a timely manner.
“On the 20th of July I called for the prompt and timely release of ministerial diaries for the April to June period, in light of sudden and unexpected policy announcements by government. The Premier stated at the time those diaries would be disclosed as per routine quarterly reporting practices,” Ms Webb said.
“That undertaking should have seen the latest round of ministerial diaries disclosed by the end of July at the latest. Yet a week into August and they remain undisclosed. “Even after receiving a reminder 10 days before the end of July that imminent disclosure was expected, the diaries have not been released.
“While the ministers’ diaries may remain out of sight, Tasmanians can clearly see this is a government failing to walk its own talk on transparency.
“Quarterly disclosure of ministerial diaries is the absolute minimum of acceptable good governance practice. Having to continue to drag this basic information out of government is very disappointing.
“A government truly committed to acting on its transparency standards would ensure diaries were disclosed within days of the relevant quarter, not over a month later and even then, only after being called out for missing the routine release deadline.
“This disclosure commitment, minimalist though it is, was given by government in the Parliament, and to the Parliament. It must be honoured,” Ms Webb said.
