Freedom of Information. ??

Former independent Senator Rex Patrick initiated a case against the Ausralian Information Commissioner in 2021, claiming persistent lengthy delays in reviewing FOI requests from the department.

Patrick's case centres on the role of "The Freedom of Information act." and the lengthy delays he has encounted and apparently, lack of success in getting the information requested. In his original judgement, Justice Michael Wheelahan strongly criticised the delays but found they had occourred because of underresourcing.

It is quite clear that successive governments have refused to honour the intentions of the ACT, particularly since the former Abbot government sought to abolish the position in 2014, leaving it vacant until 2022. Since that time governments have severely under funded the role. There seems little doubt that our " two party"politicians want to maintain the status quo. After two years of proceedings, the Morrison and Albanese governments have spent a combined $780,000 defending the delays. Obviously our major parties will take any steps to prevent transparency. A Parliament of independents committed to honesty , integrity and honesty would deffinitely resolve that issue.

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