INFORMATION COMMISSION RULE AGAINST NSW GOVERNMENT ON WITHHOLDING KEY DOCUMENTS ON DAVID BERRY HOSPITAL

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has won a major battle against the NSW Government in his bid to obtain information concerning the NSW Government’s plans to sell-off David Berry Hospital.

Click here to read the report.

Mr Ward sought to obtain documents under the Government Information (Public Access) Act, but the NSW Government refused the request in an effort to bury documents about David Berry Hospital.

Mr Ward appealed the NSW Government’s refusal to release documents to the NSW Information and Privacy Commission. The Commission ruled the Government’s decision to deny the application was not reasonable.

“This Government loves secrecy and is developing a reputation for being about as transparent as a bucket of mud. This decision sends a strong message to the NSW Government that the public have a right to know what their government is up to. Today the deep state lost, and the people won.

“The Government tried to say that releasing documents to me wasn’t reasonable. What’s not reasonable is this Minns Labor Government trying to flog off a hospital and get away with it.

“If the Government isn’t doing anything wrong – what does it have to hide?

“I will fight this Government all the way to ensure our community is fully informed and has access to documents that show the real motivations of this Government.

“David Berry Hospital should continue as a health facility, and the public have a right to know what our Government is up to.

“I have long had concerns that the Government’s ‘consultation’ isn’t genuine. I look forward to seeing what’s in these documents.

“In the interests of transparency and accountability, I look forward to receiving the documents and I call on the Minister for Health and the NSW Government not to stand in the way of the people's right to know,” Mr Ward concluded.

ENDS.