Freedom of Information

Our Freedom of Information (FOI) team has helped many public sector organisations comply with FOI obligations in a practical manner. We understand the legal requirements imposed on agencies under the Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation and, just as importantly, understands the balance between transparency and accountability of open government, and the need to protect sensitive information from disclosure in the greater public interest. We have assisted many agencies with the consideration and processing of FOI requests, the exemption from release of documents and the preparation of FOI decisions and reasons.

We have acted in AAT appeals on FOI matters, and advised senior departmental officers and Ministers on FOI processes. We also provide FOI training and have developed a suite of training materials for government agencies. We have drafted FOI guidelines and template letters for the processing of FOI requests.

In addition to FOI, we regularly advise agencies responding to other requests for access to information such as parliamentary inquiries and subpoenas, and the interaction between access and disclosure obligations with privacy, confidentiality and secrecy.