Submission to Freedom of Information Reform

Submission from:
Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
Australian Government Libraries Information Network (AGLIN)
Australian School Library Association (ASLA)
Australian Law Librarians' Association (ALLA)
Public Libraries Australia (PLA)

Introduction

The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) is the peak body representing the library and information services sector. It represents 6000 members, the library and information profession, Australian library and information services, and the interests of over 12 million library users.

ALIA's first objective is "To promote the free flow of information and ideas in the interest of all Australians and a thriving culture, economy and democracy". Freedom can be protected in a democratic society only if its citizens have unrestricted access to information and ideas.

Libraries and information services have a fundamental concern for the preservation of information contained in the published and documentary record in order to ensure enduring access. ALIA is committed to the preservation of the published and documentary record in all formats, and to ensuring enduring access to information.

ALIA congratulates the government on developing the draft legislation and, in a timely manner, seeking to ensure that information is managed as a national resource. Improvements in FOI are vital for an informed nation, and expanding digital access will contribute significantly to an effective democracy and a digital nation.

Conclusion
The proposed legislation is a major step forward in seeking to provide proactive publication of government information for an informed nation.

ALIA recommends that to be truly effective further consideration should be given to:

supporting a national archive of information to ensure long term access (Pandora);
digitisation of government publications currently produced in paper;
ensuring information can be found readily, meeting accessibility standards; and expanding coverage to include research funded by the Commonwealth.

Click here to view the ALIA submission [ pdf 94.3 KB ]

All submissions are available on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website: http://www.dpmc.gov.au/consultation/foi_reform/submissions.cfm#submissions

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