Guide to Justice Dept published

Press, 7 June 1982, Page 12

Guide to Justice Dept published

Wellington reporter "Open Justice,” a guide to information within the Justice Department, has been published by the department to explain what it does and who to approach within it. The 88-page booklet was written by a Wellington journalist and author, Ms Helen Brown, and edited by the reader of jounralism at the University of Canterbury, Mr Brian Priestley. Copies will be available at departmental offices and libraries, and be on sale at Government book shops for $3.50. Copies have been sent to all members of Parliament and to the news media. It has been designed to meet the department’s prob-

able duties under the Official Information Act. now before a special Parliamentary Select Committee in bill form. It had not been prompted by any wish to set an example for other departments, said the retiring Secretary for Justice, Mr J. F. Robertson. But it was the first such publication in the field. He said the booklet included comments, by Mr Priestley, on the effectiviness of the department’s information services. He hoped the news media would also comment on the department's effectiveness on the evaluation form provided. The department would be pleased to hear any comments from anyone.