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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA):
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FOIA allows citizens to access government documents not already
public.
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Introduced in Australia in 1982.
Key Points on FOI:
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Who Uses FOI: Individuals, media, opposition parties, interest groups.

Global FOI Rollout: Began with Sweden in 1766 and has spread globally.

FOI Process:
1. Submit an application.
2. Agency acknowledges receipt and advises on scope/charges.
3. Documents are provided if agreed.
4. Internal review for exclusions/exemptions.
5. External review if necessary.

FOI Timeframes:
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Generally processed within 30 days; extensions possible.
FOI Exemptions:
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Absolute Exemptions:
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National security, cabinet documents, legal privilege, trade secrets, etc.
Conditional Exemptions (subject to public interest test):
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Commonwealth-state relations, personal privacy, business affairs, etc.
FOI Charges:

Search and retrieval: $15/hour

Decision-making: $20/hour

Photocopying: 10c per page
Challenges with FOI:
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Bureaucratic Obstruction:
o
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Deny, delay, charge, redact, underfund requests.
Disclosure Log:
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Documents released under FOI are de-identified and logged publicly.