Implementation : Processing Applications

Processing Applications and Appeals Under most right to information laws, specific officers within each body covered by the law are responsible for receiving and managing RTI applications and appeals .

Implementation : Interpreting Exemptions

Although the principle of maximum disclosure underpins all RTI laws, it is recognised that the right to information is not absolute.

Implementation : Records Management

At the core of the right to information are records - papers, documents, files, notes, materials, videos, tapes, samples, computer printouts, disks and a range of other things.

Implementation : Proactive Disclosure

Right to Information laws not only require governments to provide information upon request, they also impose a duty on public bodies to actively disclose, disseminate and publish information, as widely as possible.

Implementation : Raising Public Awareness

If right to information laws are to meet their objectives of encouraging more public participation and oversight of government, then citizens need to be completely aware of their rights and how to enforce them.

Implementation : Training Public Officials

As a matter of priority, those implementing the law need to be fully trained in their responsibilities under the law, in how to manage applications/appeals, to apply and interpret the law. Training should be ongoing.

Implementation : Information Commissions

RTI laws in some countries provide for the setting up of an Information Commission as the ultimate appellate and oversight body overseeing implementation and oversight of the law.

Implementation : Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure that the law is achieving the aims endorsed by the Government, the implementation of the Act should be supported by an effective ongoing monitoring and evaluation system. This will enable implementation efforts to be assessed, reviewed and improved.

Implementation : General

   Preparing for Implementation In preparing for the implementation of any RTI law, the governments will have to take steps to establish the groundwork necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the access law.