Media Release: Ministerial Diaries Disclosures Overhaul Needed: Replace window-dressing with genuine transparency
Ministerial Diaries Disclosures Overhaul Needed
Replace window-dressing with genuine transparency
Thursday, 15 August 2024
Independent Member for Nelson Meg Webb today moved to overhaul the government’s ministerial diaries disclosures model, in light of growing frustration with the lack of timely and meaningful information released under the current system.
“I warned last year when the Rockliff government began releasing quarterly ministerial diary disclosures instead of first undertaking public consultation on the most suitable model, that proof would be in the pudding,” Ms Webb said.
“Unfortunately, the pudding has not proved to be the genuine article and has instead left a sour taste.
“The community expects to see actual detail provided in timely and regular disclosure releases.
“Basic appointment tables released three months after the fact containing a one word description is not a genuine demonstration of accountability or transparency. Instead, it is an insulting fob-off.
“The government is now on notice.
“Today I tabled a motion calling for the government to hold a public process to develop a best practice mandatory disclosure of ministerial diaries model, that considers the design, disclosure details, timeliness, application, and any other related matter.
“If passed, my motion would also require the government to report back on progress by the end of November this year.
“Tasmanians deserve a mandatory diaries disclosures system based upon clear criteria detailing frequency, extent of appropriate details to be informative, searchability to mention a few key areas for reform,” Ms Webb said.
Background:
On the 28th of March 2023 the Legislative Council voted in support of Ms Webb’s motion calling on the government to commence consultation on a mandatory best practice ministerial diaries disclosure model.
Instead, the Rockliff government moved to a non-mandatory Ministerial Diaries Quarterly Routine Disclosures system which began at the end of April 2023 with the release of the Jan-March 2023 period in arrears.
View below text of Meg’s motion tabled today, or view it as a pdf here.
- That the Legislative Council notes the resolution of this House on the 28 March 2023 requesting the Tasmanian Government undertakes to introduce mandated requirements for the regular and routine disclosure of all Ministerial and Cabinet Secretary official diaries, detailing scheduled meetings, and their purpose, with stakeholders and organisations, including third parties and lobbyists; and when developing this disclosure regime to also;
(a) ensure the process is informed by best practice examples of mandatory disclosure of Ministerial diary requirements established in other jurisdictions, including examples of oversight and compliance requirements; and
(b) develop and publicly consult on a proposed Tasmanian mandatory disclosure of Ministerial diaries scheme.
2. That the Legislative Council further notes that:
(a) public consultation on a proposed Tasmanian mandatory disclosure of Ministerial diaries scheme did not occur;
(b) the Tasmanian Government introduced quarterly routine disclosure of Ministerial diaries commencing with the January/March 2023 quarter; and
(c) the current routine disclosures of Ministerial diaries system is not mandatory under statute; does not occur in a reliable and timely manner; and the format and details disclosed remain deficient.
3. And that the Legislative Council calls on the Tasmanian government to:
(a) undertake comprehensive and public consultation on a best practice mandatory disclosure of Ministerial diaries model, and that process is to provide for input into the design, disclosure details, timeliness, application, and any other related matter; and
(b) report back to the Legislative Council by 28 November 2024 in relation to the above.
