In a nutshell, FOI is much more than just the provision of information by public bodies. It is proving itself as a key support for bringing about profound change and improvement in our public services. As I have said previously, change takes time. In particular, organisational change is difficult, time-consuming and requires sustained effort. As a full-time public representative I'm well aware of the tales of woe, of FOI requests going wrong, and of the failings of public bodies.
Organisations are human systems.
As such they reflect human failings and weaknesses. Rick Snell, our visiting lecturer from Australia, may tell you of equally if not more colourful failings of public bodies from down under. Our task is to ensure that such failings by public bodies are not dressed up as virtues. Shortcomings by public bodies should not be shrouded in secrecy, or misrepresented as legitimate and acceptable. Rather they should be openly acknowledged and honestly addressed.