4.1.1 Availability and Dissemination of Information

Principles
The Government has a duty to ensure that information about policies, programs, services, initiatives and matters which affect the benefits, rights and obligations of its citizens can be readily and easily accessed through a range of communication channels and tools that take into account the needs of the particular target audience(s) concerned. Information should be available to people living locally and, where practicable, to Tasmanians travelling or living interstate or overseas.

Policy Requirements
To meet the information needs of all Tasmanians, agencies must ensure that:

• a variety of communication methods are used
• information about an agency's mission, structure, programs and services is publicly accessible through their agency website and/or the Service Tasmania portal at http://www.service.tas.gov.au/
• information is clearly identified as being from the Tasmanian Government
• published information is available on request
• published information affecting the rights, benefits and obligations of citizens is delivered in formats that accommodate persons from diverse ethnic or religious backgrounds or persons with special needs, including literacy levels and sensory disabilities
• the target audience has a convenient means of contacting the originating government agency so that questions, comments, requests for further information or complaints may be dealt with promptly
• they are aware of the principles of the Freedom of Information Act 1991
• opportunities are available for the public to provide feedback on major policies, programs, services and initiatives, and that such feedback is considered in reviews or evaluations.