I know most of will go "WGAF" but this article highlights the current thinking by the government.
Lodge renovation hidden from the public as cost blows out to $4.45m May 19, 2014 - 3:00AM
Tom McIlroy
Legislative Assembly reporter at The Canberra Times
Internal documents show requests for information from
The Canberra Times have been denied on the grounds that it could generate ''negative comments'' about the project.
Staff in Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s office have blocked the release of information on the year-long restoration of The Lodge, fearing "negative comments" about the $4.45 million project.
As contractors continue major works at the prime minister's official residence in Deakin, internal documents show
bureaucrats were instructed to give purposefully vague responses to requests for information from The Canberra Times.
Released under Freedom of Information rules, a series of emails show officials in the Finance Department were told not to provide any explanation or identify Mr Abbott's office or the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet as being responsible for the decision.One senior bureaucrat said Mr Abbott’s staff could be concerned about privacy or a poor reaction to the information being made public.
''Just say the visit has not been approved and you are unaware of the reasons,'' the Finance Department official instructed a colleague via email in March.
''Don’t identify PM&C or the PMO as the decision makers, just leave it vague.''Works to repair the slate roof, remove asbestos and replace electrical wiring and climate systems began in September.
The Canberra Times first hoped to give readers a look at the restoration in November 2013, but documents show the request set off a flurry of bureaucratic activity over more than five months.
No answer was received until March this year. Journalists and photographers have traditionally had regular access to events and photo opportunities at The Lodge.
Separate emails show Finance Department officials had recommended the media be given access in November and February after the removal of asbestos was complete.
''On balance – noting both pros and cons – we’re of the view that we should permit the visit in the interests of transparency,'' he wrote on February 4.
Another official said it was "better to be open and transparent than secretive" but said journalists should be "kept to the agreed message."
On February 28, an official was told Mr Abbott's office ''does not agree to the proposed visit by a journalist''.
The cost of the renovations and security concerns were not considered in the decision.
Senate documents showed in April that the project had blown out to $4.45 million, up from the original estimate of $3.19 million.
Read more:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/lodge-renovation-hidden-from-the-public-as-cost-blows-out-to-445m-20140514-zrc7x.html#ixzz327lzAny9
