PUBLIC PARTICIPATION & DISCLOSURE

Effective public participation is a democratic right and is also crucial to the protection of the environment and to the transition to an ecologically sustainable society. In the spirit of Agenda 21 the public has a right to know, a right to understand and the right to be actively involved in the political processes that relate to the environment throughout all levels of Government. For participation to be in any way meaningful the public and environmental and community groups need to have access to good quality legal advice and should be protected from the threat of punitive costs. Without these changes, legal participation will be captured by the interests with the most money.

Political Parties should commit to:
 

Removing the barriers to public participation and providing financial assistance to empower communities and environmental groups to take part in resource management, fisheries and conservation processes. Funding of a minimum of $5 million/year should be provided to ensure adequate access to legal advice and representation, expert witnesses and research assistance. Amending the operation of the Environment Court so that it is accessible, user friendly and fair. This should include being able to undertake inquiries into a matter before it, the ability to employ consultants and legal counsel, and establishing an advisory service to assist parties. Opposing the use of empowering legislation to override any existing environmental legislation. Access to information Reaffirming the commitment to open Government and maintaining performance criteria and reporting standards under the Official Information Act for public sector agencies, SOEs, and the Ombudsman's office. Assist this by amending the Official Information Act and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act to: a) remove budget secrecy, except for taxation, and reduce commercial secrecy as grounds for refusing access to information; b) make State Owned Enterprises, Crown entities and LATEs fully subject to the relevant Acts; c) increase requirements for timeliness and include penalties for agency non-performance.