Special Minister for State, Senator John Faulkner, has delivered the first concrete action on reform of federal FOI in Australia. The papal-like powers given to ministers called conclusive certificates will be scrapped. The certificates allowed ministers to effectively block the release of any information they deemed ’not to be in the public interest’. Former treasurer Peter Costello used this power when he blocked the release of documents outlining discussion on tax bracket creep.
This is a very important first step. However, more extensive reforms to the law is needed. Furthermore, there is great need for a change of culture and attitudes towards FOI both within the public service and among leading politicians.
