Transparency and media
Freedom of Information Act
01 December 1982
This Act gives Australians the right to access information held by the Australian Government and most government departments.
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 made Australian Government information accessible to all Australians. The Act also required that the Government publish and release accurate and complete information about the work it does, making decisions more transparent. There are some exceptions, especially information that might affect national security.
Before this law was made government ministers and departments in Australia did not have to release information to the public and citizens were unable to see what information the Government had about them. This Act changed the culture of government in Australia. It encouraged a more informed and engaged community. The Act continues to be updated so as much information as possible is made available to Australians.
Freedom of information: ephemera material collected by the National Library of Australia
National Library of Australia
Freedom of information: ephemera material collected by the National Library of Australia
National Library of Australia
Description
This pamphlet was produced by the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department. It was made to provide information on the Freedom of Information Act 1982.