What must all public documents be made to ensure for the public?

The principle that all public documents must be made accessible to the public is fundamental to transparency and accountability in government operations. Ensuring accessibility means that citizens have the right to obtain information about the actions of public officials and the functioning of the government. This underpins the democratic process, as it allows the public to participate in governance by being informed about matters that affect their lives and communities.

Accessibility promotes trust between the government and the public, as it helps to foster an environment where citizens can hold their leaders accountable. When documents are accessible, individuals can better understand policies, decisions made by officials, and the use of public resources. Furthermore, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees emphasizes the importance of transparency in upholding the integrity of public service.

In contrast, while confidentiality may apply to certain sensitive information, it does not align with the overall goal of promoting transparency for all public documents. The digital format and archiving of documents are also important considerations, but they primarily serve as methods of making documents accessible rather than addressing the principle itself.