Freedom of access to government information is an internationally recognised right and a vital aspect of the rule of law. In Australia, this access is facilitated by the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act), which was enacted in response to recognition of freedom of information’s (FOI) crucial importance in providing access to personal information, transparency and accountability in policy-making, and increasing public participation.

Despite the Act explicitly recognising the FOI regime’s aspirations, Australia’s FOI regime continues to be undermined in practice by inordinate delay, under-resourcing and the abuse of statutory exceptions. In light of these problems, the Centre for Public Integrity outlines a number of recommendations for reform in this briefing paper.