Freedom of information: right to know?

It's often impossible for a business, as well as individuals, to know how or why government made a particular decision.

The Australian media have been running a Right to Know campaign. Whilst the media have their own interests in the campaign, there is little doubt that Australia's Freedom of Information Laws have had variable success (see Open and Shut).

New Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced an independent review of Queensland’s Freedom of Information Laws, with particular interest in the exemption of cabinet documents. (see this The Australian report).

The panel terms of reference include the time and cost of providing access to government documents, and the appropriateness of the fees and times that apply.

The panel will also assess existing and proposed FOI laws and practices across the country as well as internationally.

It is expected that an information paper will be released for community consultation in January and any necessary legislative amendments prepared by the middle of next year.