The final report from the inquiry into the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025. The Bill would primarily amend the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) and the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010. The Bill seeks to improve the operation of the FOI framework.

Australia’s FOI framework enables the Australian community to access government information and is a key pillar of Australia’s democracy and accountability system. It is clear from the evidence before the committee, that the FOI Act is no longer fit for purpose.

The report outlines the purpose and contextual information relating to the Bill, as well as identifying some of its key provisions. It examines some of the key issues raised in relation to the Bill and sets out the committee’s findings and recommendations. The committee recommends that the Senate pass the Bill.

Key findings

• The FOI system is under immense pressure and there are many views on how best to approach the inefficiencies and other issues that are plaguing the system.
• The emergence of new technologies and the changing operating environment mean that the FOI system is being challenged and is vulnerable to exploitation in ways that were difficult to conceive at the time the FOI Act was first enacted.
• The costs are growing substantially year on year.
• The committee accepts the Attorney-General’s Department's evidence that the Bill will continue to promote accountable and effective government, while making changes to ensure the ongoing viability of the FOI system.
• The committee notes it may be necessary for the government to consider further reform of the FOI system.
• The committee urges the government to consider an alternative mechanism for individuals to access personal information as part of proposed reforms to the Privacy Act 1988, rather than as freedom of information requests under the FOI Act.