The Prime Minister today confirmed the public would not get access to information held by the company rolling out the $36 billion National Broadband Network.

Unlike Australia Post, the ABC, SBS and Telstra, it appears that the finances of the NBN cannot bear scrutiny.

Despite declaring that she supports transparency, it would appear that Julia Gillard's actions do not reflect her promises.

SM, for once we are in agreement.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/legal-expert-questions-decision-to-exempt-359-billion-nbn-from-foi-laws/story-fn5izo02-1225990464123

There is no reason why communications between the company and government and other documents, cannot be open to public scrutiny. FOI releases often include company documents that are covered in the scope of FOI requests, usually with the permission of the company involved, but permission is not actually required, it is more done as a courtesy. This is clearly relevant to government policy and FOI should apply

http://www.psnews.com.au/Page_psn2482.html

Looks like the ANAO is getting an expansion of powers to include more independence in auditing enterprises and non-profits that benefit from government funding.

"...the new report contained 13 recommendations, including ensuring that the Auditor-General has sufficient legislative backing for assurance reviews the Parliament may wish him to carry out; removing antiquated restrictions on the Auditor-General’s capacity to initiate audits of Commonwealth Government Business Enterprises; enhancing the Auditor-General’s role in reviewing the adequacy of agencies’ performance indicators; and giving the Auditor-General greater authority to “follow the dollar” where non-Commonwealth bodies are in receipt of Commonwealth funding to deliver agreed outcomes."

The last sentence in relation to "receipt of Commonwealth funding to deliver agreed outcomes" is very pertinent to the principles of FOI in relation to companies receiving government monies to deliver agreed outcomes like the rolling out of an NBN.

Shadow Minister I am sorry.
Sorry my party bought about the drought.
Then the floods
For atempting to improve our communication standards to those the rest of the world are getting or have.
For our past sins/crimes and our future ones.
I am sorry we never get it right, and that your team never get it wrong.
Given all the above I am sorry too that by the slimmest margin Australia installed my sides coalition not yours.
Shadow Minister forgive us, all who voted and will continue to vote other than you.
OH just one thing,that lady from NSW? she is going to be the leader who suffers the worst defeat in my party's history, see we not as reliable as your mob,ALP voters are putting her last.

Refreshing to see

Shadow Minister spruiking

The Greens' policy

What is happening with the ALP? Once purporting to promote greater freedoms in information access under the responsibilities of the first Rudd Government SMOS, Senator Faulkner (who showed great promise on FOI reform) to a growing reluctance to release documents.

The most recent one being to deny access to the full cost of PM security prior to PM Gillard's move into the Lodge.

I am not saying the Libs would be any better, perhaps worse but governments should be raising the bar not lowering it.