Mixed findings in Ombudsman’s latest investigation into OIA practices of Govt agencies
The Office of the Ombudsman has released its findings of an investigation into the Official Information Act practices and capabilities of five government agencies.
The agencies reviewed were the Ministry for Regulation, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Primary Industries, Inland Revenue and the Civil Aviation Authority.
Assistant Ombudsman Proactive and Preventive Monitoring and Interventions, Zoey Henley, says the investigation looked at two key areas to determine how each agency worked to meet the requirements of the OIA. They were leadership and culture, and performance monitoring and learning.
“We did not identify any conduct that was wrong, unreasonable or contrary to law so there were no formal recommendations. We did find some good practices, as well as opportunities for improvement.
“Staff across most agencies spoke positively about their agencies’ OIA leadership and culture, with many highlighting their senior leaders’ commitment to promoting transparency.
“The agencies were generally responsive to our suggested actions. Some agencies implemented a number of improvements before the investigation was finalised.
“However, we did feel that at one agency, an aversion to risk was emphasised on occasion over the importance of the timely release of information.
“As with all practice investigations, all of the agencies have been encouraged to provide clear, visible, and regular statements to staff about the importance of the OIA and to make sure their OIA team is well-resourced.”
All agencies received action points to strengthen their leaders’ OIA oversight including record-keeping and applying the right grounds for withholding information. Some were also asked to consider developing formal agreements with Ministers’ offices on handling departmental OIA requests.
The agencies were selected because they represented a cross section of the public sector and included a new agency and a crown entity.
The latest investigation is part of the Ombudsman’s ongoing programme of investigations into public sector official information practices.