International Access to Information Day 2025

IAID 2025 – supporting agencies to build good practices

On 28 September every year we celebrate International Access to Information Day (IAID). In 2025, UNESCO has appointed the theme: ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age’.

IAID raises awareness of every individual’s right of access to government-held information; and the public sector’s responsibility to release information if it’s in the public interest to do so.

IAID is also a timely reminder for public sector agencies to review and improve how they proactively release information to the community, to help foster greater trust and transparency. This is consistent with Queensland’s Right to Information Act 2009.

Queensland Ombudsman Anthony Reilly said IAID is an opportunity to encourage Queensland’s public sector to continue to build good practices to support transparent and accountable government.

“Our new online, self-paced training module, Good Decisions – Essentials - available now for a pilot period - is a timely tool to help public sector officers improve administrative decision-making,” he said.

“What perfect timing during IAID to remind public sector staff about good decision-making.”

The new online training tool can be accessed anywhere, at any time, find out more on the Queensland Ombudsman website.

A key activity to celebrate IAID is the Solomon Lecture 2025, which can be attended in person at the Edge, State Library of Queensland or virtually via the livestream to the free event on Thursday 25 September.

This year’s theme focuses on the vital importance of timely, comprehensive and cross-border access to environmental information in our virtual world. Environmental data, encompassing climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and disaster risks, transcends national borders, necessitating collaborative, transparent, and innovative global sharing of information.

The Solomon Lecture 2025 features guest keynote marine biologist, advocate and author Sheree Marris.

Sheree is one of Australia’s foremost environmental communicators with her work helping to bridge scientific research and public awareness.

This theme also highlights how digital technologies and open data platforms can enhance public access, foster transparency, and empower citizens and stakeholders to participate meaningfully in environmental governance and sustainable development.

Find out more about IAID and register for the Solomon Lecture 2025.