Ombudsman rules DOC’s OIA refusal on Fast-track legislation as unlawful – RNZ 18 June 2024

Summarised by Centrist

The Department of Conservation (DOC) acted unlawfully by refusing an Official Information Act (OIA) request for advice on the proposed Fast-track Approvals Bill, the Ombudsman ruled. This refusal, based on the claim that the information would soon be publicly available, was deemed both unlawful and unreasonable.

The bill, which allows fast-tracking of projects bypassing existing regulations, has sparked environmental and legal concerns. Forest and Bird criticised the delayed release, which hindered public submissions.

Read more over at RNZ