54/2009
22 December 2009
Australian Government agencies are taking less time to make decisions on requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act.
Cabinet Secretary, Senator Joe Ludwig, said decisions on FOI requests within 30 days had increased by 15% in 2008-09 compared with the previous year.
The FOI Annual Report 2008-09 was presented to the Deputy President of the Senate today.
“I am encouraged by the significant improvement to reduce delays in responding to FOI requests,” Senator Ludwig said.
“It builds on the Rudd Government’s commitment to build a pro-disclosure culture within the Australian Government.”
In 2008-09 Australian Government agencies received 27,561 FOI access requests, slightly down on the previous year. The majority of requests were directed to Centrelink (10,275), the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (5,893) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (5,970).
The largest decrease in requests was to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. This can be explained by changes to the Migration Act 1958 enabling international movement records to be requested without making FOI applications.
80% of requests received by agencies were for personal information about the applicant, and almost 94% of FOI requests finalised in the reporting period were granted in full or in part.
“This is an important publication which allows scrutiny and transparency in the operation of the FOI Act, while also enabling the Government to monitor and identify key areas for reform,” Senator Ludwig said.
“The Rudd Government is pressing forward with its commitment for more openness in government.”
“The Information Commissioner Bill 2009 and the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 2009, introduced into the Parliament in November, will give effect to major reforms to the FOI Act.”
“This year the Rudd Government also delivered on its promise to abolish conclusive certificates under the FOI Act and the Archives Act 1983.”
The FOI Annual report 2008-09 is available on the FOI website at www.dpmc.gov.au/foi/annual_reports.cfm. The website also contains a range of reference material to help people who want to make an FOI request.
| Media Contact: | Website: |
|---|---|
| Sarah Cosson - 0423 823 843 or (02) 6277 7600 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |