Broken promises #3: Public access to information

In November 2003, then-Premier Alex Scott pledged that the PLP government would introduce freedom of information legislation.

In July 2004, Mr. Scott said that Public Access To Information legislation would likely be tabled early in the next Parliament.

That didn't happen, but in a discussion paper presented to the legislature in 2005, the Government said:

"The Government hopes that PATI legislation can be introduced in the House of Assembly within the next 12 to 18 months... Ultimately, the Government hopes to achieve implementation within 3 to 5 years of the PATI legislation being passed."

Over two years later, however, the legislation has still not been introduced. But when you'd rather the public didn't know about the state of their hospital, or the cost of your jollies to China, perhaps that's not surprising.

Other posts in the "Broken Promises" series:

1. Increased bus service
   
2. Corruption law reform
   

Suggestions for other broken promises can be emailed to me at the usual address.