Chief Minister Tony Brown says the Manx government has always been committed to introducing a Freedom of Information Bill.
After an extensive public consultation, the first step in the political process was marked by the bill's first reading in the House of Keys yesterday (Tuesday).
The new laws are designed to give the public easier access to government information, supporting the principles of openness and transparency, but they can't now be implemented until after the general election, when a new government will be in place.
Mr Brown is dismissing criticism of the time it took him to bring the bill forward:
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