Parties Unite to Block Secrecy Laws
The Coalition and the Greens have joined forces in the Senate to stop Labor’s attempt to pass controversial amendments to Australia’s freedom of information (FOI) laws. The proposed bill aimed to limit public access to government data.
The Greens insisted the legislation must be rewritten entirely, objecting to new fees for FOI requests and proposed bans on anonymous applications. They emphasized transparency and citizens’ right to information.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley called the Albanese administration “the most secretive government since Federation.”
This marks the second time in two weeks that the government has been blocked in the Senate. Earlier, Labor agreed to release the “jobs for mates” report after sustained pressure from opposition parties.
Meanwhile, Labor continues to strengthen oversight powers regarding Australia’s intelligence agencies. A joint parliamentary committee will now be able to independently initiate inquiries into national security issues.
Sources
- SMH
- Liberal Party
- The Guardian
- SBS
- The Saturday Paper
Author’s summary: The Senate alliance of the Coalition and Greens halted Labor’s secrecy law changes, demanding transparency and opposing limits on citizens’ access to government information.