OAIC Review Highlights Opportunities to Strengthen FOI Transparency

Published on 7 August 2026, the review examined the disclosure logs of 30 Australian Government agencies against requirements under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the OAIC's FOI Guidelines.

While overall compliance was strong, 20 of the 30 agencies, approximately 67%, had not published all required disclosure log entries within the legislated timeframe during 2024–25. The OAIC was unable to assess this requirement for a further four agencies.

Under the FOI Act, agencies generally have 10 working days after providing an applicant with access to information to publish eligible material on their disclosure log. This helps ensure information released through FOI becomes available to the broader community, rather than remaining accessible only to the original applicant.

For records and information management professionals, the findings reinforce that effective information access depends on more than simply retaining the right records. Information needs to be findable, accessible, appropriately described and supported by governance processes that ensure publication requirements are consistently met.

The OAIC has recommended agencies improve the accessibility and searchability of disclosure logs, keep them current following review processes, and strengthen reporting and governance arrangements supporting FOI compliance.

The findings provide another reminder of the connection between good recordkeeping and government transparency. When information is well managed throughout its lifecycle, organisations are better positioned to meet statutory timeframes, respond efficiently to information requests and provide meaningful public access.

Source: Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, OAIC review highlights opportunities to strengthen transparency, 7 August 2026. Click here to read more.