27/2010
13 May 2010
The Rudd Government has secured the passage of the Government’s FOI reform legislation - the Information Commissioner Bill and the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill.
Cabinet Secretary and Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig said “These bills constitute the biggest overhaul of the FOI Act since its inception and are directed to providing a stronger foundation for openness in government.”
“I am proud to facilitate the passage of this legislation, which is a key component of the Government’s drive to restore trust and integrity in government” Senator Ludwig said.
The centrepiece of these reforms is the establishment of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and two new independent office holders, the Australian Information Commissioner and the FOI Commissioner. The Commissioners will have wide ranging FOI functions to promote openness and transparency as intended by the Government’s reforms.
Other changes include a new framework for agency-driven proactive publication of government information; a single public interest test for many exemptions, which favours disclosure; abolition of application fees and reduced charges; and reducing the open access period under the Archives Act from 30 years to 20 years for most records.
“The Rudd Government recognises we are responsible and accountable to the people we serve. That’s why in opposition we committed to overhauling FOI and today we have delivered on that promise in full” Senator Ludwig said.
| Media Contact: | Website: |
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| Anika Wells - 0434 568 993 | www.cabinetsecretary.gov.au www.smos.gov.au |