Speakers
Presented by Patrick Ky
Freedom of Information is often seen as an administrative burden that causes delay and drives complaints. But in many cases, FOI is not the real problem. It simply reveals existing issues. Difficult searches, incomplete records and fragmented information systems often become most visible when an FOI request is received.
This presentation explores how agencies can use FOI as a diagnostic tool to identify systemic issues, target practical improvements in records management, and strengthen accountability.
Patrick is the Western Australian Information Access Deputy Commissioner.
A lawyer by profession, he has worked across the public and private sectors, including at the State Solicitor’s Office, the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Victoria), and large international law firms in Melbourne and London. He has extensive experience advising on freedom of information, privacy, data sharing, and public sector governance. Most recently, he led development of the Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (WA).
Patrick holds Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science degrees from Monash University, and a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Law from the University of Oxford, where he was a Menzies Scholar in Law.