On 2 April 2025, Information Commissioners and Ombudsmen from around Australia came together in Brisbane to discuss risks, challenges and opportunities affecting the public’s right of access to government-held information.

The Association of Information Access Commissioners (AIAC) discussed the importance of good record keeping and information governance to the public’s legal right to access government-held information.

AIAC members call upon public sector leaders to demonstrate stewardship by:

• ensuring their agencies commit to information governance and integrity, recognising their role as stewards of government information, which is critical to harnessing the benefits of data sharing and open data
• acknowledging the potential for new and emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence and messaging apps, to increase public sector productivity and improve service delivery, while also committing to ‘transparency by design’ to ensure information and data created are appropriately preserved and able to be accessed
• recognising the community’s increasing demand for government-held information, most often their own personal information, and the need to prioritise resourcing and technology solutions to address demand.

AIAC members are integrity sector leaders who have regulatory oversight and responsibilities to protect and promote the public’s right to access government information under their respective state and national laws. Ensuring their independence and modern access to information legislation is fundamental to their effectiveness and in strengthening transparency for all.

This communique is endorsed by:
*Note: New Zealand Ombudsman was unable to attend the meeting.

Queensland
Joanne Kummrow
Information Commissioner

Stephanie Winson
Right to Information Commissioner

Commonwealth
Elizabeth Tydd
Australian Information Commissioner

Toni Pirani
Freedom of Information Commissioner

Australian Capital Territory
Iain Anderson
ACT Ombudsman

New South Wales
Chris Clayton
Acting Information Commissioner

Victoria
Sean Morrison
Information Commissioner

Penny Eastman, Public Access Deputy Commissioner

South Australia
Emily Strickland
Ombudsman

Tasmania
Richard Connock
Ombudsman and Health Complaints Commissioner

Western Australia
Catherine Fletcher
Information Commissioner

Northern Territory
Traci Keys
Acting Ombudsman/Information Commissioner