Five-year query wait

Right to information process cops flak

A RIGHT to information request submitted by the Greens five years ago has only just been returned to them, sparking renewed criticism of the system.

The submission was made on November 24, 2014 by then state Greens MP Nick McKim, relating to proposed developments in the state’s world heritage areas and parks and reserves.

The request asked for “the locations of all proposed developments, including GPS co-ordinates if available, from the expression of interest process for proposed developments in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and other national parks and reserves”.

It was refused some time between December 2014 and February 2015, and was appealed on February 13, 2015.

Mr McKim, now a senator, received notification this week.

The Ombudsman’s office released the information on Wednesday.

Greens leader and parks spokeswoman Cassy O’Connor condemned the fact it had taken so long for the request to be processed.

“It exposes that the Liberals have been applying the Right to Information Act with secrecy front of mind,’’ she said.

She said the request was for information on the EOI process for development in public protected areas.

“That is a matter clearly in the public interest, yet the RTI request was rejected.” Ms O’Connor said these type of examples were happening repeatedly under the Liberal Government.

“They refuse an RTI application or so heavily redact it, there’s no information of use, and once it’s sent to the Ombudsman’s office they’re counting on the fact that it’s gone into Rip Van Winkle land, not to be seen again for years,’’ she said.

Tasmanian Ombudsman Richard Connock said RTI resourcing had been an ongoing concern despite requests for additional resources.

Mr Connock said after additional recurrent funding in the most recent budget was announced, recruitment of two more staff to service RTI requests was under way and the backlog of requests was being addressed. He said this would mean RTI requests were dealt with in a more timely manner.

The State Government said release of information under RTI was independent from government.