Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs inquiry into the operation of Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) laws

Submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs inquiry into the operation of Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) laws June 2023 The Australian Press Council welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs inquiry into the operation of Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) laws. [...] The Australian Press Council The objects of the Press Council are to promote freedom of speech through responsible and independent print and digital media, and adherence to high journalistic and editorial standards. [...] The Press Council’s role is not to represent the media, and constituent members of the Press Council may wish to make their own submissions to the inquiry. [...] The Press Council’s Charter for a Free Press in Australia sets out a number of principles relating to freedom of the press, including the principle that “Laws, regulations and practices which in any way restrict or inhibit the right of the press freely to gather and distribute news, views and information are unacceptable unless it can be shown that the public interest is better served by such laws. [...] The review should be: (a) conducted by a broad-based independent panel and include representatives of the media industry; (b) charged with ensuring that the FOI regime is fit for purpose and meets the needs of contemporary Australian society, including the news media sector; (c) required to consider: (i) the level and adequacy of resourcing provided by the Government to Departments and Agencies; (.