When we look at the question of a
Freedom of Information Act, it is precisely because we need accurate information to be in the public domain.
His response to a request under
freedom of information laws states it would not "be appropriate to confirm whether the information exists or is held by the Commissioner".
Apart from the SALN, there are other public records that continue to be difficult to obtain, and which could benefit from a legislated
freedom of information policy.
Freedom of Information became the bridge of information between the people and the government - a tool that ordinary citizens could use to break down the chains of secrecy.
A Scottish Government said the country had the "most open, far-reaching
freedom of information laws in the UK".
The
Freedom of Information Officer's Handbook includes the latest developments in FOI including amendments made to the UK's FOI Act by the Data Protection Act 2018 and the revised s.45 code of practice published by the Cabinet Office in July 2018.
"Like provincial governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh, federal government repealed
freedom of information ordinance 2002 and replaced it with a comparatively progressive Right of Access to Information Act 2017 in recent times.
'Even though we are currently studying the bundle of documents sent to us by the Minister we commend the Minister for ensuring compliance with the provisions of the
Freedom of Information Act.'
The
Freedom of Information Act is as important today as it was when Lyndon Johnson signed it.
The decision to celebrate this day was made on September 28, 2002 at the
Freedom of Information litigation conference in Sofia, Bulgaria.
NB: The Obama State Department stonewalls right and left regarding
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, especially concerning Hillary.
It follows the "Hands Off
Freedom of Information" campaign backed by the Birmingham Mail along with other local and regional news organisations.