Senate dissent delivers brutal blow to Labor’s FOI overhaul
The government’s plan to reform the freedom of information system has been panned by transparency experts, and the bill will struggle to pass the Senate.
The Coalition and Greens have demanded Labor rip up its plan to overhaul Australia’s broken freedom of information (FOI) system, in the latest sign the bill is doomed in the Senate.
The Albanese government is pushing ahead with its proposal, which passed the House of Representatives last month, but the bill remains friendless and appears set for defeat.
After a one-day hearing into the proposal, a Labor-dominated Senate committee report released on Wednesday recommended the bill be passed in full.
“The bill will continue to promote accountable and effective government, while making changes to ensure the ongoing viability of the FOI system,” Labor senator and committee chair Jana Stewart wrote.
