Briefing Papers Relating To Freedom Of Information That Were Prepared For Ministers Or Officials Attending The Legal And Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, Supplementary Budget Estimates…

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This briefing paper prepared for Senate estimates outlines the government's Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025, introduced 3 September 2025 and referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for reporting by 3 December 2025. The document details policy rationale emphasizing system efficiency improvements and abuse prevention, positioning reforms as balancing public scrutiny with effective government operation. Key supporting statistics show public servants processed over one million FOI requests in 2024, costing approximately $86.24 million (23% increase from prior year), with 43,450+ requests received. The government consulted the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and relevant agencies. Reforms respond to recommendations from the 2013 Hawke Review, 2015 Shergold report, 2019 Thodey review, and 2023 Senate inquiry, with amendments complementing Public Interest Disclosure Act reforms. The brief notes strong stakeholder interest from Senators Pocock and Shoebridge, the Opposition, and civil society organizations including the Centre for Public Integrity. No significant redactions are evident in the excerpt provided.