An independent review into the effectiveness of Tasmania’s Right to Information (RTI) framework – Getting Back On Track – has been released.
Commissioned in December 2024, the review involved consultation with more than 75 individuals and organisations, including all government departments, local councils, major political parties, community members and frequent users of the RTI system.
The reviewers Professor Tim McCormack and Adjunct Associate Professor Rick Snell, also considered previous reports and inquiries, including those undertaken by the Integrity Commission, the Commission of Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, and the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute.
The reviewers commended recent government initiatives including the RTI Uplift Project and enhanced training and performance measures.
The final report makes 43 recommendations including short-term administrative enhancements and longer-term legislative reforms. The report including the submissions can be accessed below.
Independent Review of Tasmania’s Right to Information Framework (PDF, 8MB)
On 17 March 2026, the Honourable Jeremy Rockliff MP, Premier of Tasmania, tabled the Government’s response to Getting Back on Track – A Review into Tasmania’s Right to Information system.
Getting Back on Track confirms Tasmania’s RTI legislation is fundamentally sound while highlighting opportunities to improve processes and embed cultural change. It recognises the progress made through transparency agenda initiatives such as the whole-of-government RTI Uplift Project, a new policy, and new training modules.
The Government response sets out a program that strengthens leadership accountability, improves capability across the State Service, and commits to legislative changes that will modernise the RTI framework.
The Government acknowledges the work of Professor Tim McCormack and Adjunct Associate Professor Rick Snell in conducting this independent review.
Government Response to the Independent Review of Right to Information Framework (PDF 983.3KB)
An RTI Improvement Steering Committee has commenced planning and delivery of recommendations.
RTI Improvement Steering Committee - Terms of Reference.
| Meeting | Date |
|---|---|
| Meeting one | 29 April 2026 |
| Submission | Name | Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| Submission 1 | Adam Holmes | |
| Submission 2 | Bob Burton | |
| Submission 3 | Cassy O'Connor | Tasmanian Greens |
| Submission 4 | David Killick | |
| Submission 5 | James Johnson | Environmental Defenders Office |
| Submission 6 | Catherine Murdoch | Environmental Protection Authority |
| Submission 7 | Hydro Tasmania | |
| Submission 8 | Robert Hogan | |
| Submission 9 | Adrienne Piccone | Tasmania Council of Social Service (TasCOSS) |
| Submission 10 | Angie Somann-Crawford | TasPorts |
| Submission 11 | Susannah Windsor | University of Tasmania |
| Submission 12 | Phoebe Winter | |
| Submission 13 | UTAS Faculty of Law RTI Training Project Team |
Uplift Project Tasmania Discussion Paper 4.1 23 September 2024.
Commission of Inquiry Final Report
Tasmanian Ombudsman Annual Reports
The Culture of Implementing Freedom of Information in Australia Monash University June 2024.