OFFICIAL INFORMATION BILL first in Pacific Islands (13-2-2008) 

The Cook Islands Official Information Bill was tabled in Parliament yesterday making the country the first Pacific Islands to introduce freedom information legislation into the House.

The Bill was tabled by Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate who has been keen to push the Bill through.

Sir Terepai told the House that Government Officials need not fear or be uncomfortable about releasing information to the public when the Bill is enacted.

Ombudsman Janet Maki has requested a 12 month period before the Act comes into force explaining that ministries need to know their responsibilities under the Act or they would take too long to provide information and in turn "defeating the whole purpose of the Act."

She said the 12 months will allow departments to upgrade record keeping and get all their records in order.

Sir Terepai added that in accordance with the Act "people working for government have to be aware that they have to do the right thing all the time".

He added that the Act gives people the right to ask for information and it is government's responsibility to respond.

The Act once in force will also require government to proactively disclose information to the public and not conduct activities in secret.

Source: Govmedia