The JEC has made a submission to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs’ inquiry into the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025.
Our submission opposes the Bill in its current form, as these amendments will deter individuals from exercising their right to access government-held information and undermine the broader objectives of the freedom of information regime. Key concerns include the promotion of private interests, expansion of exemptions, reintroduction of application fees, and provisions allowing agencies more time to process requests. Instead of passing the Bill, we recommend a comprehensive review of the Freedom of Information Act 1982. However, if the bill is to proceed, we have made a number of recommendations for improving the Bill.
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