Training Courses

We offer a range of shorter and longer courses in Access to Information legislation. The most popular are the Introduction to FOI for Decision-makers, a one-day course, and Advanced FOI, also a one-day course. Many people undertake the training as a combined two-day programme. All our courses are highly interactive and are designed around the needs of participants. Courses may also be provided in-house to suit specific agency needs. Courses are tailored to each jurisdiction and deal with the requirements of the relevant legislation (eg: RTI in Queensland and GI(PA) in NSW).

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The next course dates are:

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• Sydney: March 20 and 21: "Introduction to GI(PA)" and "Advanced GI(PA)" - Rydges Parramatta (click to download the brochure)

• Darwin: the 2-day course "FOI for Decision Makers" is on March 31-April 1 2025, and "FOI for Senior Managers" is on April 3. Please send email or contact the Information Commissioner to express interest.

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If you are interested in more details about the training courses, or would like to register your interest in the next public courses or in-house training courses, please e-mail using the link above.

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Feedback from course participants is consistently very positive, citing Megan's wealth of knowledge, presentation style and practical examples as particular strengths. Extracts from recent course evaluations can be found here.

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In brief, the course outlines are:

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Introduction to FOI / RTI / GI(PA)

• Objectives of the legislation

• Procedures for dealing with an application for access or amendment

• Consultation with applicant

• Consultation with third parties

• Internal and external review processes

• Decision Making: Public interest and exemption provisions

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Advanced FOI / RTI / GI(PA)

• Discussion of key terms: public interest, harm tests

• Detailed analysis and case studies of exemption provisions
  - including breach of confidence, legal privilege, deliberative process, personal information

• Discussion of key Tribunal / Information Commissioner / court decisions

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We also provide a number of shorter specialised courses.

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Preparing Documents for Release

• Clarifying scope and terms of application

• Developing search strategies

• Organising information collated from various sources, including registered files, electronic documents and email

• Physical presentation of documents, including editing of documents

• Preparing decision schedules

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The Review Process

• The role and responsiblities of the internal reviewer

• Principles of sound decision making

• Sufficiency of search

• Consultation

• Drafting statement of reasons

• External review processes

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Understanding Your Responsibilities: Access to Information, Privacy and Records Management for Managers

• The manager's role and responsiblities

• Overview of procedures for access and amendment

• Definition of "record" and search strategies

• Overview of exemption provisions

• Public interest issues in release of information

• Information Privacy Principles

• Penalties for mishandling information

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Access to Information, Records Management , Privacy and Code of Conduct (for all staff)

• Staff roles and responsibilities in

  • records management (including email issues)

  • privacy and

  • access to information

• Code of Conduct:

  • purpose and principles of the code

  • ethical decision making

  • conflicts of interest

  • gifts and benefits

  • use of agency resources