OAIC Submits Views to Senate on FOI Bill 2025

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has submitted its views to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee regarding the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025. This move comes as the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs leads an investigation into the Freedom of Information Legislation 2025. The OAIC, an independent statutory agency regulating privacy and freedom of information, sees this as an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of the FOI framework.

The OAIC's submission to the Committee delves into the right to access information in Australia and the role of Freedom of Information (FOI) in securing this access. It also provides an in-depth look at the performance of agencies and the OAIC under the current framework, highlighting areas that could be improved. Furthermore, the submission explores the potential operational impacts of the proposed reforms, aiming to inform the Committee's consideration of the amendments.

The OAIC, with specific functions under the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010 relating to access to government information, welcomes the chance for public debate on modernising the FOI scheme. This is in line with its role under the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988, the Freedom of Information Act 1982, and the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010.

The OAIC's submission to the Senate Committee is a step towards enhancing the Freedom of Information framework in Australia. By providing insights into the current system's performance and the potential impacts of reforms, the OAIC aims to facilitate informed decision-making. This process aligns with the OAIC's mission to promote and protect privacy and access to information.