By Caitlyn Rintoul
Publication Date: 2025-12-01 11:13:00
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland’s department failed to provide evidence to support her claim that “AI bots” had flooded Australia’s freedom of information system.
At Monday’s Senate Estimates review, department officials were peppered with questions about reforms to the FOI law announced in September.
Ms Rowland and her federal Labor colleagues have compiled a list of excuses for the new FOI regime, including blaming AI bots, foreign players and even criminal gangs.
The Labor government’s proposed changes would introduce new fees and time limits on applications – making it harder for Australians to assess information. This has led the coalition to dub the proposal a “truth tax”.
It would also expand disclosure exemptions for Anthony Albanese’s cabinet, allowing him to conceal further material related to the deliberations.
A Senate investigation into the unpopular changes had also revealed a lack of evidence to support the cited justification for the…
