'That's all part of the practice of trying to hide information'—Yvonne Jones, provincial Liberal leader.

Newfoundland and Labrador's premier is defending the provincial government's decision to take the province's information commissioner to court.

In two applications filed with the Supreme Court, the government argues the commissioner should not have access to certain files.

"One of the matters that's ended up in court now, if I remember correctly, is the subject of a police investigation," said Premier Danny Williams Wednesday. "Someone is looking for information that was the result of an investigation by the police. You know, there are certain things that just can't be made public."

The two applications before the court aim to block the information commissioner's access to documents.

Provincial Information Privacy Commissioner Ed Ring says he needs to see those documents to determine if the government is following the rules on the release of information.

Provincial Opposition MHAs say the applications show that the Williams government is becoming increasingly secretive.

"We have filed for information under freedom of access and have gotten completely blank, black documents back," said provincial Liberal Leader Yvonne Jones.

Jones says limiting access to information means the provincial government is failing to be accountable to the public.

"When you hear ministers talking about not using briefing books and briefing notes, that's all part of a practice of trying to hide information," she said.

Jones says if the information commissioner is not going to be allowed access to the documents he needs to do his job, the province should close the office altogether.