FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA AND NEW ZEALAND

Abstract

In 1982, Australia, Canada and New Zealand introduced freedom of information (FOI) laws. The author visited all three countries in 1986‐7 to study how the legislation was being used, and its impact on the workings of Westminster‐style government. A table summarizes the main features of the legislation. The article discusses the different appeal mechanisms; the implications for ministerial accountability; the level of take‐up; the different categories of user; administrative costs and benefits; staffing requirements, refusal rates, fees, etc. Apart from requests for personal files, the level of demand has been relatively low; ministerial accountability remains unchanged; the legislation has successfully protected government secrets; and the overall cost has not proved too great. FOI has not realized its more ambitious objectives, such as increasing public participation in government decision‐making; but at the same time, it has not fulfilled many of its opponents' worst fears.