Freedom of information: User pays (and still faces delays)

Abstract

This article considers freedom of information in Australia and examines some of the practical barriers to access that persist following the 2009–2010 changes to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth). It considers, by way of case study, the issues of practical refusal, charges and delays, and draws a brief comparison with UK law and practice. It concludes that the current model in Australia must change if greater transparency is to result.