‘Transparency Tax’: Government Plans Freedom of Information Fee

‘Transparency tax’: Government plans freedom of information fee

The proposal has been met with opposition from both the Coalition and legal experts.

Government plan to charge for FOI requests labelled a ‘truth tax’

The Coalition and the Greens have vowed to oppose Labor’s plan to charge for freedom of information applications.

Transparency tax: freedom of information fee pilloried

A proposal to impose a fee on Australians seeking access to Commonwealth documents has landed like a lead...

Australian National Review - ‘Truth Tax’: Labor’s Planned FOI Fee Draws Ire From All Sides

Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on July 30, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has joined a chorus of Australian politicians condemning Labor’s so-called “truth tax.” The Albanese government announced it would start charging for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to access Commonwealth documents, a move opponents have dub…

Outrage over Labor's plan to start charging for FoI requests

The Federal Government plans to start charging for Freedom of Information requests. Photo: File. The Federal Government will make it harder for its actions and communications to be scrutinised by charging for Freedom of Information requests. FoIs delve into documents such as political diary entries, minutes of meetings, advice to the government from the public service, email exchanges, and other correspondence. It is a vital accountability tool …

Proposed changes to Freedom Of Information scheme don't add up

New Australia Institute research reveals that the failures in Australia’s freedom of information (FOI) scheme lie with the government, not with applicants. The government’s proposal to limit FOI requests by charging fees instead of fixing the broken system misdiagnoses the problem.