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International Access to Information Day 2022

By Cyrena Mazlin, Librarian, Library and Client Services | 25 September 2022

September 28th is International Access to Information Day (IAI Day). On this day, we recognise global communities’ right to accessing government-held information and underline the responsibility of governments to release accurate information to the public, when it is in the public’s best interest. State Library of Queensland plays a significant role in collecting and preserving information, and aims to promote a culture of information transparency and accessibility for all Queenslanders.  

The 2022 UNESCO-appointed theme of IAI day is Artificial intelligence, e-governance and access to information.  

International Access to Information Day 2022 poster

This theme highlights the advantages an increasingly digital world offers, particularly in terms of encouraging inclusion and empowering citizens to access data in a timely and effective manner. It also draws attention to the ethical parameters that stakeholders need consider when implementing and reviewing systems which use artificial intelligence. The pandemic has rapidly accelerated such implementation; consequently, governing bodies must increasingly exercise a necessary caution to mitigate risk, protect human rights, and foster trust in public agencies. 

To mark the occasion of IAI day, this year’s Solomon Lecture, titled, ‘The importance of truth through Aboriginal eyes,’ will be delivered by Ian Hamm, Chair of the Stolen Generations Reference Group, The Healing Foundation. Ian is a Yorta Yorta man, who has a wealth of professional experience in government and the community sector, working at both executive and governance levels. 

Poster for 2022 Solomon Lecture by Ian Hamm

His lecture addresses the role of information access in building trust between government and communities; in truth telling; and in decision-making processes. He questions what information is of most relevance and consequence for First Nations people and discusses how accessing and sharing this data is integral to the process of knowing one’s own story.  

The Solomon lecture will be emceed by the journalist, broadcaster, and content creator, Rhianna Patrick. Following the keynote, Rhianna Patrick will moderate a panel discussion between Ian Hamm, Rose Barrowcliffe (First Nations Archives Advisor, Queensland State Archives) and Patricia Thompson AM (CEO of Link-Up Queensland). 

The Solomon lecture is free to attend and takes place from 10:30am to 12:00pm at State Library’s Auditorium 1. The session will also be livestreamed

Visit the Office of the Information Commissioner’s website to find out more about the event, register for your free ticket to attend in person, or find out where to watch the livestream.  

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