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The NSW Ombudsman has released a discussion paper into the operation and effectiveness of the NSW Freedom of Information Act.

In the almost 20 years since the inception of the FOI Act, there have been changes to the Act, the way governments operate and the technology used to handle government records. These changes have impacted on the effectiveness of this Act in meeting its original objectives.

Because of this the NSW Ombudsman has decided to conduct his own review:

The NSW Labor Party has relaunched its website as a Political and Social Justice Portal for the 21st century featuring campaigns, a blog, and news. The new site is more interactive and includes enhanced membership services, for new and existing members, info on Labor groups and ways of getting involved.

A couple of years ago, I had the honour of closing NSW Seniors Week. NSW Seniors Week recognises the achievements of seniors in NSW and celebrates the contribution that older people make to NSW.

Seniors week in 2009 will be held from 15 to 22 March and DADHC has just launched the 2009 Seniors Week Grants program and the 2009 NSW Seniors Week Achievement Awards are now calling for nominations.

With the Local Government elections fast approaching, Parliament's Education section is organising a course for the public about what happens ‘Behind the Ballot Box'.

The sessions are free, and include an overview of elections and voting systems around Australia and worldwide; a visit to the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council chambers of the NSW Parliament; a voting simulation and information about the role of parliament and elected representatives in Australian democracy.

Courses will be held on Tuesday 26 August, Wednesday 3 September and Friday 12 September.

Following WYD, the Premier announced a CBD Mobility Forum, to improve mobility to, from and within Sydney's CBD. Forum participants will include current transport operators, transport planning experts from Government and the private sector and business representatives.

The NSW Government has a record infrastructure investment plan for transport including new train carriages and buses, the construction of the Epping to Chatswood Rail Line, the South West Rail Link and the North West Metro, as well as planning for the M4 East, the duplication of the M5 East, a Western Sydney Metro and other major transport projects.

The Government wants to use existing infrastructure and resources and draw on the experience of other major global cities in handling transport flows.