The study measures the Australian public’s awareness of their right to access government information and their experiences and outcomes when exercising that right. It's objective is to inform strategic decisions that promote positive engagement with the relevant jurisdictions and agencies. Six jurisdictions were surveyed: Federal, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

Over the past three years, 40% of survey participants have attempted to access information from Federal Government organisations. The most accessed documents included personal information, reports and data, and administrative documents, with most getting at least partial access to information. 

The findings suggest a need for increased efforts to raise awareness about the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and to enhance confidence that this legislation allows the public to access information about how decisions are made by the Federal Government and its agencies. 

Key findings

• Almost all believe the right to access any government-held information as important, including over half (58%) who find it very important.
• The large majority (90%) agree that allowing public access to government-held information is necessary to maintain government transparency and accountability.
• Although over 2 in 3 have heard about the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth), understanding of what it covers is limited, as 2 in 3 either know very little or never heard about it.
• Nearly 1 in 4 were unaware of their right to access information from specific government organisations.
• Less than half (44%) are confident that the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) will allow them access to information about how decisions are made by the Federal Government and agencies.
• The majority (86%) agree that the government must publicly report on any technology used to inform decision making.