Freedom of Information Act

Victoria’s info commissioner says the inquiry is a chance to make Freedom of Information legislation fit for purpose in the digital age.

The National Archives of Australia boss ​​has acknowledged that a fear of government documents being made public could be leading to complacency.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has recommended the Department of Home Affairs appoint an ‘information champion’ after an investigation found the department has been failing to meet its obligations under Freedom of Information laws.

Environment minister Sussan Ley refused outright 39 freedom of information requests in the last financial year, while granting just one in full and three in part, new analysis by the Australian Conservation Foundation has found.

Michael Pezzullo chose the first day of the caretaker period this year to set out his own views on how Australia’s visa and citizenship processing system needs to be improved, in an interesting message to his executives.

As the public sector looks to exploit the value of sharing information between agencies, across jurisdictions and with service providers, it raises questions about how to harmonise regulatory requirements and design flexible governance models to meet diverse public expectations.

INVESTIGATION: Accusations of inappropriate interference were avoided in front of Senate Estimates. But emails released under FOI expose how the independent Indigenous Land Corporation was put in an impossible position.

We know what Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd ate on the government jet, but Malcolm Turnbull’s preferences have been censored. It’s a strange FOI ruling.

When the public wants access to records, it’s wise to be up-to-date with the regulations on what can and can’t be shared. It’s an important duty requiring foresight and diligence.