Government could finally get a new head of information services - more than a year after the last director Gavin Shorto stepped down.

Government has advertised for a new Director of Communication and Information on a salary of $106,995. A succession of civil servants have temporarily held the post since Mr. Shorto retired in November, 2001.

The recently renamed Department of Communication and Information, which took over from Government Information Services (GIS), has recently taken on a number of new press officers in the past year.

Premier Jennifer Smith's government has been heavily criticised for being secretive and failing to share information with the public and the media.

Head of the Civil Service Stanley Oliver said in January there had been a review of how GIS was operating to make it more open and effective. But Mr. Oliver refused to say at the time what the review had recommend and when it would be implemented.

An advert for the new Director of Communication and Information last week said the successful candidate would report to the Cabinet Office.

Applications must be received by December 24, and the director will have to "develop proactively public awareness of government activities, and to provide a media, printing and public relations advisory service to all government departments".