Storm over 'secrecy' as ethicist blasts changes to Queensland's Right to Information laws THE State Government's proposed changes to Right to Information laws are a "perfect storm for secrecy," Queensland's leading ethicist says. Bill de Maria said plans to allow decision makers to refuse the release of information without explanation - which have been accepted "in principle" by the State Government - will undermine openness and accountability and prevent scrutiny of elected officials. It is proposed the Right to Information Act be amended to allow government departments and agencies, including the independent Office of the Information Commissioner, to refuse information without giving a reason for nine months, under reforms to the Crime and Misconduct Commission flagged in an independent report. "The idea that no reasons should be given - and it's going to be for a honeymoon period of nine months - well, we've heard that before . . . how time flies, it becomes nine years," Dr de Maria said. This is quite a common ploy of governments to offer us something as if it's not the thin edge of the wedge. We have to assume that they're settling in a long-term policy. The legislative change, due to be introduced by next March, will ensure CMC investigations are secret to the point that nobody will know if there are grounds for an investigation, or even if it is considered a matter for the corruption watchdog. It follows the referral of Campbell Newman, now Premier, to the CMC during the state election campaign over claims since found to be groundless. EDITORIAL: CMC review needs finesse Dr de Maria said the change undermined the central tenets of public administration. "It's undergirded in the Judicial Review Act, for example, and in all the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act - the decision makers are required to stand in front of the public and explain why they are making decisions," he said. This releases them from that responsibility, and that means it's a retrograde step and not good news for openness. The State Government has accepted this proposal "in principle" on the basis an implementation panel provide advice on how the aim of this proposal can best be achieved. There will be no community consultation. A separate review of the RTI Act is being undertaken, but Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie will not release details of what changes are being considered or the timeframe for the review. In a statement he said "any changes we make will be in the interests of openness and transparency."