Last week, the Albanese government introduced the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill, a comprehensive reform of Australia’s FOI laws aimed at modernising the 1982 framework. The proposed changes include banning anonymous requests, introducing application fees, and extending confidentiality provisions to cabinet documents.
While the government argues these reforms are necessary to curb frivolous and automated requests and save taxpayer dollars, there has been growing opposition, warning that the bill could significantly erode transparency and public accountability. With some arguing that a culture of secrecy within government agencies and systemic delays are at fault.
Image: Source: Pexels – Josh Withers
Produced By: Jordan Zerella
Featured In Story: Bill Browne – Director of the Australia Institute’s Democracy & Accountability Program
First aired on The Wire, Thursday 11 September 2025