Freedom of Information

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS (Black—Leader of the Opposition) (14:33): My question is to the Deputy Premier. Has the Deputy Premier received any advice regarding how to communicate with freedom of information applicants and, if so, what is it? With your leave, sir, and that of the house, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.J. SPEIRS: On 16 May, the Ombudsman referred to communications from the Deputy Premier to freedom of information applicants as, and I quote, 'disingenuous'. He went on to say:

The Deputy Premier and her Office should be actively supporting, rather than discouraging, applicants utilising their legally enforceable right to be given access to documents held by her, noting that this right should only be subject to such restrictions as are provided for in the Act.

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Premier, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water) (14:34): I am not certain which correspondence the Ombudsman is speaking about, but we will endeavour to always—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. S.E. CLOSE: Many. Naturally, we will be taking the advice of the Ombudsman in this matter.