Defence drops 10-page UFO dossier Defence The dossier includes 17 defence communications about UFOs and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) created between July and October 2023.
Legal win in sports rorts FOI saga sends a warning to public servants March 22, 2024 By Melissa Coade Federal Rex Patrick’s court victory confirms an implied obligation under the FOI Act for public servants to avoid frustrating access to documents.
Premium Columnists FoI Act demands putting accountability in writing February 28, 2024 By Andrew Podger Editors' Picks There is a deeply embedded culture in the APS, particularly at senior levels, of antagonism toward the transparency required by the FoI Act.
Premium Columnists Australia’s FOI regime shrouded in impenetrable secrecy October 24, 2023 By Binoy Kampmark Communications & Technology Efficiency and openness do not describe Australia’s FOI regime. Information rationing and control are more like it.
Falk given three weeks to respond to former FoI commissioner’s allegations August 30, 2023 By Tom Ravlic Economy & Industry OAIC boss Angelene Falk has until September 22 to answer questions raised by Leo Hardiman during a senate committee hearing yesterday.
Premium Insights and analysis How rushed decisions can be public enemy number one in public administration August 29, 2023 By Melissa Coade Editors' Picks Here’s what mandarins have to do to improve outcomes for the community if they are serious about public service.
Margaret Crawford’s take on never-ending story of ‘fundamental failings’ in public administration August 24, 2023 By Melissa Coade Culture The NSW auditor-general reflects on Australia’s string of royal commissions, special investigations, reviews and audits.
Robodebt FOI cabinet documents case reaches Federal Court August 18, 2023 By Anna Macdonald Community & Social A legal case over the release of robodebt cabinet documents has reached the Federal Court, with a case to be heard on Friday in Victoria.
Premium Insights and analysis Secretary’s parting views on FOI, government transparency and accountability August 15, 2023 By Melissa Coade Federal A final word from Andrew Metcalfe before we let him retire to the quiet life of a “poor gentleman farmer”.
Premium Insights and analysis ‘As a veteran my PTSD has been triggered’: War Memorial’s Ben Roberts-Smith fallout July 20, 2023 By Cam Wilson Editors' Picks Emails obtained in an FOI request show how the Australian War Memorial braced for a backlash for keeping Ben Roberts-Smith’s display up.
Jane Halton links ‘chilling’ effect of FOI to robodebt’s frank and fearless advice epic fail July 11, 2023 By Julian Bajkowski Community & Social Candour is a lost art, laments former finance secretary Jane Halton. If everything is on record, people say far less.
Public health leadership when anti-vaxxers are not in the mood for evidence, spurred by suspicion and fear July 6, 2023 By Melissa Coade Federal Brendan Murphy says upholding important principles of democracy left the door open for conspiracy theorists to take things to the Nth degree.
Premium Columnists The confidentiality of frank advice vs FOI and open government May 8, 2023 By Richard Mulgan Career Advice Public service leadership and the FOI lobby should consider how to achieve consensus on the practicable limits of government confidentiality.
‘Violence, fixation and harassment’: Internal AFP briefing reveals sovereign citizen concern April 14, 2023 By Cam Wilson Federal Months before the Wieambilla shooting, Australian Federal Police internally raised the alarm about sovereign citizens.
Premium Columnists Ministerial diaries legitimately deserve to be in the public domain April 12, 2023 By Richard Mulgan Australian Capital Territory Access to ministerial diaries is a useful reminder to government insiders that their comings and goings may be open to public scrutiny.