FOI Reform Bill Introduced To Parliament

On 26 November 2009, the Federal Government introduced into Parliament the Information Commissioner Bill 2009 and the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 2009, and moved one step closer to fully implementing its promised FOI reforms. The Federal Government's 2007 election commitments on FOI law proposed the most significant changes to the Federal FOI system since its establishment. Those commitments were broadly intended to effect a cultural shift in FOI practice, by promoting a pro-disclosure environment and scrutiny of Government actions.

Broadly speaking, the reforms will create the Office of Information Commissioner and are designed to enhance the public's right of access to documents under the FOI Act, by limiting access only where a strong public interest favours non-disclosure. The Bill also promotes proactive publication of information by Government Agencies, through the Information Publication Scheme, and aims to improve the process for making