Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 3 September 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Attorney-General introduced the bill to modernise the Freedom of Information Act 1982, arguing that the current framework is inefficient and vulnerable to abuse by vexatious and anonymous applicants. The legislation aims to reduce administrative burdens on agencies, which spent $86.2 million and over one million hours processing requests in 2023-24, by introducing application fees for non-personal requests and a 40-hour processing cap. The bill also clarifies exemptions, addresses concerns raised by the 2013 Hawke review and the 2023 Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, and establishes processes for handling requests involving former ministers. The debate was adjourned after the Attorney-General's speech, with no other members speaking.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 4 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Tuesday 4 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025 modernised the system or undermined democratic transparency. Government members argued the legislation addressed inefficiencies, protected public servants from abuse, and clarified exemptions regarding cabinet confidentiality. Opposition and independent members contended it expanded secrecy, introduced barriers like fees, and ignored recommendations from the Robodebt Royal Commission. The debate concluded with the motion adjourned, as the transcript ended before a final vote was recorded.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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4. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The debate centred on amendments to the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025, with crossbench members and the opposition arguing that the bill reduces transparency and accountability. Key points of contention included the introduction of application fees, the expansion of cabinet document exemptions, and restrictions on anonymous requests. The government defended the changes as necessary for efficiency and protecting frank advice, while critics cited concerns raised by the Robodebt Royal Commission and legal experts. The Attorney-General moved amendments to moderate identity requirements for requests on behalf of others, which were agreed to, but other amendments to repeal fees and expand exemptions were unresolved.

   Outcome: The government amendments regarding identity verification were agreed to, while other amendments moved by crossbench members and the opposition remained unresolved.

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5. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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6. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber

   The House considered an amendment moved by the member for Curtin to reject the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025. The amendment proposed an independent review of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 to improve proactive disclosure, accessibility, and timeliness. It also sought to address exemptions, officer resourcing, vexatious requests, and artificial intelligence impacts. The amendment was defeated, allowing the bill to proceed.

   Outcome: The amendment was negatived.

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7. Wednesday 5 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on whether the bill modernised the freedom of information framework or entrenched government secrecy. Opposition and crossbench members argued the legislation weakened transparency by banning anonymous requests, imposing fees, capping processing times, and expanding exemptions. The Attorney-General defended the bill as necessary to address system inefficiencies and abuse, while moving an amendment to allow third-party requests to preserve anonymity for legitimate applicants. The bill was commended to the House.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the House.

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8. Thursday 6 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Report from Federation Chamber

   The debate concerned the consideration in detail of the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025, following prior discussion in the Federation Chamber. Helen Haines moved amendments to restrict the expansion of cabinet exemptions, arguing the bill weakened transparency. Tony Burke moved a procedural motion to suspend standing orders and put unresolved questions immediately, citing that the matter had already been fully debated. Andrew Wallace opposed the procedural approach, preferring full debate in the main chamber. The House voted on the procedural motion and subsequent amendments, with the government's procedural motion passing but several of Haines' amendments failing.

   Outcome: The procedural motion to suspend standing orders passed, but several amendments moved by Haines were not passed, while others were passed.

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9. Thursday 6 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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10. Monday 24 November 2025 · Senate

    First Reading
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11. Monday 24 November 2025 · Senate

    Second Reading

    The Senate debated the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 2025, which seeks to modernise the existing framework established in 1982. The legislation aims to address inefficiencies caused by the high volume of electronic records and vexatious requests, while maintaining access to personal information. Key measures include introducing application fees for non-personal requests, implementing a processing time cap, and clarifying exemptions. The bill also incorporates recommendations from the 2013 Hawke Review and responds to findings from the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme. Katy Gallagher moved the second reading, outlining the government's position that the changes balance transparency with administrative efficiency.

    Outcome: The second reading was moved by Katy Gallagher, with leave granted to incorporate the speech into Hansard.

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