Study finds nine in ten Australians see the right to government information as vital to democracy
Australians have reaffirmed their commitment to open and accountable government, according to new findings released in time for International Access to Information Day 2025.
Released on 1 October, the Information Access Study is the fourth collaborative effort between information commissioners and an ombudsman from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), and the ACT Ombudsman, according to a news release. The study measures public awareness, understanding, and experiences in exercising the right to access government information.
According to the findings, between 91% and 96% of respondents across jurisdictions consider access to government information important, with more than half rating it as “very important.” Around 90% agreed that such access enhances transparency and accountability, with nearly 60% strongly supporting this view.
However, levels of familiarity with freedom of information laws varied significantly between regions. ACT recorded the highest awareness and confidence levels, while NSW and Queensland showed the greatest need for improvement. Correspondingly, ACT residents also reported higher confidence—at 61%—in the government’s openness about decision-making processes, compared to 42% to 52% in other states.
Most respondents (over 75%) agreed that governments should publicly report on the technology used in decision-making, while 86% to 90% believed agencies should report on the information they maintain. Personal data, reports, and administrative documents were among the most frequently accessed records, and email remained the dominant communication channel.
Notably, over 80% of those who requested information received full or partial access, with ACT residents most likely to obtain complete disclosure. The same group also rated their interactions with agencies most positively, with 82% describing them as “very helpful.”
The commissioners’ joint statement reaffirmed that “the right to access government-held information remains a cornerstone of open, accountable and participatory democracy.” They also urged agencies to adopt an “Open by Design” approach to embed transparency in digital systems from the outset, particularly concerning environmental data.
With almost 90% of respondents supporting the publication of information about ecosystems, air and water quality, and urban planning, the report emphasised the growing public demand for accessible, technology-driven information systems that support participation in Australia’s environmental and civic future.
