Information change…

Information: A Privilege or a right?
DUE to unforeseen circumstances, the upcoming EDO conference “Information: A Privilege or a Right?” will now be run on 6 April 2009 only. The programme for the conference is outlined below.

To take account of these changes, we have extended the deadline for early-bird registrations until 18 March 2009. The revised registration fees are:

§ Early Bird: $170

§ Full Registration: $200

§ EDO Members: $150

§ Concession Registration: $100

To register, complete the attached registration form and send to Conference Design Pty Ltd. The fees will be those outlined in this email rather than on the registration form. Conference Design will contact delegates who have already registered to arrange reimbursements.

For more information about the conference, visit www.edo.org.au/edotas

6th April 2009

8.00
Registrations

9.10 – 9.30
Hon Duncan Kerr MP SC – Opening Address

9.30 – 10.30
Dr David Solomon AM – Plenary
“Balancing Responsibilities in the Provision of Information”

10.30 – 11.15
Dale Webster (FOI Project Manager, Department of Justice)
“Strengthening Trust in Government: Tasmanian FOI Review Process”

Morning Tea

11.30 – 12.30
Rick Snell (University of Tasmania)

“Managing Information Access in a Democracy: The Challenges”

12.30 – 1.00
Alderman Elise Archer (Hobart City Council)
“Overview of the Tasmanian State Liberal Opposition FOI policy”

Lunch

2.00 – 2.30
Tom Baxter (University of Tasmania)
“Stretching FOI Exemptions: Properly Protecting Business or Pulping the Public Interest?”

2.30 – 3.00
Jane Worrall (University of Tasmania)

“Mending the Practices of Stakeholders: Dealing with Vexatious Applicants”

3.00 – 5.00

Workshop to break for afternoon tea
Workshop: FOI in Practice

Panelists include:

§ Simon Allston (Tasmanian Ombudsman)

§ Catherine Vickers (Assistant Director, Executive Division, Department of Premier and Cabinet)

§ Tim Eldridge (FOI Coordinator, Department of Primary Industries and Water)

§ Liz Smith (Huon Valley Councillor)

§ Anna Holland (Information Management Coordinator, Glenorchy City Council)

§ Paul Oosting (The Wilderness Society)

§ Rena Dare (Executive Assistant, Tim Morris MP – Tasmania Greens)

§ Sue Neales (Political Editor, The Mercury)

5.00
Conference Close

In conjunction with the conference we are holding a “hypothetical” style forum at 7:30pm on 6 April 2009. The forum will involve a light-hearted examination of issues arising in the use of FOI in Tasmania, with participants including:

§ Simon Allston (Tasmanian Ombudsman)

§ Nick McKim MHA (Leader of the Tasmanian Greens)

§ Dr Eric Woehler (Birds Tasmania)

§ Sue Neales (Political Editor, The Mercury)

§ Matt Denholm (Correspondent, The Australian)

§ Alderman Elise Archer (Hobart City Council)

§ Tim Eldridge (FOI Coordinator, Department of Primary Industries and Water)

§ Andrew Fischer (State Editor, ABC News)

The role of Geoffrey Robertson will be played by Peter Tree SC.

The forum will commence with drinks and nibbles in the Harbour View Room of the Hotel Grand Chancellor.

The Hypothetical is open to everyone, not just conference delegates. Tickets are $15 ($10 conc). To register, contact Conference Design Pty Ltd.