In light of freedom of information laws and other modern moves towards greater openness and accountability on the one hand, and the current international security environment on the other, are secrecy laws still relevant and necessary? Is a statutory duty on Commonwealth officers not to disclose information necessary or desirable? Are general law obligations sufficient and appropriate ways by which the disclosure of Commonwealth information may be regulated? Do federal secrecy provisions inhibit unduly the sharing of information within and between law enforcement agencies, governments, and between governments and the private sector?

This paper provides an overview of the issues being examined by the ALRC's current inquiry.