It took an order from Parliament last week before the GBE Tasracing released right to information documents on a clear matter of public importance. To stop this absurd situation happening again, the Liberals need to direct GBE’s to make RTIs public in the same way government agencies do.
Last week, Parliament had to order Tasracing to release an RTI capturing communications from Minister Howlett’s office on the promotion of TasInsure. When Tasracing was asked by the Opposition Leader to release this information, it refused.
Tasracing’s refusal to release this information was completely unjustifiable given it clearly related to a matter of public interest – a Minister’s conduct during caretaker mode, and in Parliament thereafter. What were they trying to hide?
Clearly, Tasracing has an issue with being open with Tasmanians. If GBEs won’t voluntarily disclose information publicly without an order from Parliament, the Liberal Government must require them to publish all RTIs following their release to applicants.
While the Liberals have a shifty, shaky record on RTIs, at least government departments are required to publish RTI documents. Why shouldn’t GBEs provide the same transparency?
The Liberal Government must act to ensure no more of Parliament’s time is wasted ensuring basic GBE transparency. Government businesses need to be reminded they are owned and funded by Tasmanians, to serve the Tasmanian people.
