The Finocchiaro CLP Government has today introduced the Public Information Amendment Bill 2025 to Parliament.
This Bill amends the Public Information Act 2010, and the relevant regulations, to ensure they are both contemporary and remain effective in achieving their purpose.
An independent 2024 Strategic Review of the Northern Territory Auditor-General's Office recommended exploring an alternative body to carry out the Auditor-General's oversight function under the Act.
The Bill will transfer jurisdiction of the Act from the Auditor-General to the Ombudsman.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said: "Assessing the content of public information is not a core responsibility of the Auditor-General."
"Whereas, the Ombudsman operates through a complaint-driven model and regularly investigates public concerns about government administration," said Mrs Finocchiaro.
The Bill grants the Ombudsman the sole discretion in deciding whether to start, continue, or discontinue a review or investigation of public information, or a complaint under the Act.
If a Member of the Legislative Assembly asks the Ombudsman to review certain public information, and the Ombudsman decides not to do so, the Ombudsman is required to notify the MLA of that decision.
When the Bill is passed, the Auditor-General will transfer open matters to the Ombudsman.
