New FOI bill will ‘reduce trust in government’, lawyers say

The Australian Library and Information Association warns that proposed Freedom of Information amendments threaten to undermine democratic openness by shifting the legislative balance too heavily toward secrecy. They argue that administrative constraints, such as processing time caps and new application fees, create unnecessary barriers to accessing government records. These measures risk impairing public trust and hindering good decision-making processes within the democratic framework. Opposition specifically targets the ban on anonymous requests and expanded cabinet confidence protections. The ALA emphasizes that anonymity is crucial for protecting journalists, whistleblowers, and vulnerable community advocates from potential reprisals. Furthermore, requiring identity disclosure imposes significant burdens on legal and community organizations, while expanding exemptions reduces executive accountability and limits necessary scrutiny of sensitive government deliberations. This debate is vital to open_data because it highlights the tension between efficient administrative processing and the fundamental right to transparency. The ALA advocates for proactive information disclosure as a superior alternative to restrictive FOI mechanisms. Their stance underscores that preserving robust access to public sector data is essential for maintaining an informed citizenry and ensuring governmental accountability in modern societies.

Source: lawyersweekly.com.au
Published on 2025-10-09

New FOI bill will ‘reduce trust in government’, lawyers say

Related news