Story perspectives

Australia's FOI Amendment Bill Sparks Controversy Over Secrecy

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to amend Australia's FOI laws, promoting increased secrecy.
It permits public servants to deny anonymous requests and those requiring over 40 hours to process.
The bill broadens the scope of documents that can be withheld, reversing previous transparency reforms.
Critics, including Professor Gabrielle Appleby, claim it restricts public access to information.
The government plans to reintroduce application fees for FOI requests, previously eliminated to enhance public engagement.

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Story summary

The Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to amend Australia's FOI laws, promoting increased secrecy.
It permits public servants to deny anonymous requests and those requiring over 40 hours to process.
The bill broadens the scope of documents that can be withheld, reversing previous transparency reforms.
Critics, including Professor Gabrielle Appleby, claim it restricts public access to information.
The government plans to reintroduce application fees for FOI requests, previously eliminated to enhance public engagement.