Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal National Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to address some other grave, specific concerns that I have with this bill. The provisions under schedule 7 part 2, which expand cabinet document exemptions, raise serious questions about the government's commitment to transparency and accountability. The Law Council of Australia has voiced strong opposition to this measure, citing its potential to undermine public trust and democratic principles. The Law Council warns that the amendments could reduce transparency around government decision-making and hinder scrutiny of matters in the public interest, which runs counter to the objectives of the Freedom of Information Act. They argue that the bill extends beyond efficiency gains and instead undermines the core principles of FOI—particularly the public's right to access information promptly and at minimal cost.

Before proceeding with reforms that may reduce access to information, the Law Council recommends that the government commission an independent review of the FOI Act and the broader federal FOI framework. On balance the Law Council does not support the bill in its current form—especially provisions that enlarge the scope of exemptions and implement barriers to public access. My question to the minister is how does the government justify restricting access to information in a democracy where transparency is a cornerstone of public trust? This bill, in its current form, risks eroding the very foundations of open government. I urge the minister to reconsider these provisions and listen to the voices of civil society, legal experts and the Australian public.

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