The NSW Government’s Information Commissioner is pushing for more agencies to get into openness and transparency.

Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd says the public sector should embrace Right to Know Week 2015 by lifting the veil on their operations.

Right to Know Week promotes the legally enforceable right to access Government-held information, and calls on Public Sector Agencies, universities and Regional Councils to become champions of open government and information sharing.

“Thank you to all our Champions, which include over 30 Agencies, Councils and universities, who have joined us this year in promoting and supporting the Right to Know message,” Ms Tydd said.

Ms Tydd said a major theme for this year’s campaign was to “switch on open Government in NSW”; promote a truly representative Government that was not afraid of transparency, accessible and responsive to its citizens; and let people know “you have a right to know” information held by the NSW Government and Agencies.

“I believe open Government to be a tangible and consistent commitment by Government to increase access to information, engage with citizens and be accountable,” Ms Tydd said.

“The thought leadership event will enable Public Sector representatives to freely consider and discuss the way forward for open Government in NSW.”

She said she was committed activating citizens’ rights under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) to enable enhanced participation in Government decision-making and policy development.

The Commissioner’s official role is to promote public awareness and understanding of the GIPA Act; provide information, advice, assistance and training to the public sector and public; deal with complaints about Agencies; investigate Agencies’ systems, policies and practices; and report on compliance with the GIPA Act.