Subjects:

Other Jurisdictions , Australia

Contents:

Overview of the Legislation

Access and Amendment under Freedom of Information Laws

Access and Amendment under Information Privacy and Public Records Laws

Exemption Provisions: Introductory Issues

Exemptions which Protect Third Party Interests

Access Exemption Provisions Protecting the Internal Processes and the Business Affairs of Agencies

Access Exemption Provisions Protecting Governmental and Public Interests

Review of Freedom of Information Decisions

Review under Information Privacy and Public Records Laws

Publication Requirements

Overview and Future Directions

Summary of Privacy Principles

Summaries of Other States and Territories

Useful Resources

Freedom of Information and Privacy in Australia: Government and Information Access in the Modern State provides a clear exposition of the different legal regimes that govern access to, and amendment of, government information, including freedom of information laws, information privacy laws, health records laws and public records laws. It also provides an insightful analysis of their operation, having regard to their context within the 'modern state', an environment that is characterised by privatisation, deregulation and contracting-out and which has been transformed both by information technology and a post-September 11 preoccupation with national security.

As well as providing detailed treatment of Commonwealth, New South Wales and Victorian laws, it also provides useful summaries of the legal regimes in other Australian jurisdictions. This well written book provides a reliable reference for public sector decision-makers who are required to make access decisions and for lawyers, accountants and others who provide advice about FOI and privacy laws. It is also a valuable resource for students, journalists and public interest groups.