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

In relation to the discretionary refusal powers under section 11B(3) of the act, the Freedom of Information Bill introduces discretionary powers under schedule 7, part 3, division 1 that have been described by the Environmental Defenders Office as a 'grave integrity failure'. The EDO—who I often don't agree with, but in this case I do—in submissions to the legal and constitutional affairs committee, argued against the expansion of exemptions allowing agencies to refuse requests on vague grounds, such as 'prejudicing frank discussion' or 'orderly and effective government conduct'. My question to the Attorney is this: why is the government pursuing reforms that have been described by integrity advocates as a 'grave integrity failure'? This bill risks giving agencies broad powers to reject requests based on vague and subjective criteria, undermining the public's right to know. I urge the minister to withdraw these provisions and restore faith in our democratic institutions.

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