Yes, the PAIA manual deadline was 31 December 2021. You may have received an alarming email warning you to submit your PAIA manual or risk landing up in jail. December 2021 has passed and you’re wondering whether you need one.
- But is all of this really necessary?
- Do you need a PAIA manual?
- Who is exempt from having a PAIA manual?
- Is there actually a deadline?
There is a PAIA manual deadline
On 31 December 2021, the old exemption granted by the government expired. The authorities (including the information regulator) have been very clear that they will not extend the exemption any further. From 1 January 2022, every body needs to have a manual. No one is exempt.
Don’t leave it to the last minute to draft or update your PAIA Manual.
Old exemption from having a manual has expired
You need a PAIA Manual
The exemption was extended in 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020 and June 2021. The exemption will not be extended further so you will need one from 31 December 2021.
Actions you can take
- Use our public interest self-assessment to determine if you are a low or high public interest organisation.
- Join our access to information programme if you have a high public interest score to help you comply with PAIA.
- Ask us to review or draft a PAIA manual for you.
- Comply with PAIA by asking Michalsons for other assistance.
What must you do with your PAIA manual?
Your manual needs to be available on your website (if you have one) and at your principal place of business. You don’t need to send your manual to the Information Regulator unless they request it. You don’t need to submit it to anyone.
