Topic analysis

Albanese’s department among those blocking 80% of FoI requests, scathing report finds

A scathing Australian auditor general’s report reveals nearly 80% of Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to Anthony Albanese’s department, Treasury, and the infrastructure department were refused in full or part during 2024-25, with 63% exceeding the mandated 30-day response deadline. The report cites a culture of 'resistance and delay,' inadequate record-keeping, and non-compliance with transparency obligations; 62% of FoI decisions referred to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner were overturned, prompting calls for an independent review of the country’s dysfunctional FoI system.