What is 'freedom of information'?

The government's FOI bill

Why FOI matters

The government’s proposed changes to freedom of information laws represent a “serious attack” on Australia’s democracy, according to former Senator Rex Patrick.

On this episode of Follow the Money, transparency advocate Rex Patrick and Australia Institute Democracy & Accountability Director Bill Browne to discuss the failing freedom of information system and why the proposed changes could make government less transparent – not more.

Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is available now via the Australia Institute website.

Guest: Rex Patrick, former Senator for South Australia // @mrrexpatrick

Guest: Bill Browne, Democracy & Accountability Director, the Australia Institute // @browne90

Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // @ebonybennett

Show notes:

Proposed changes to Freedom of Information scheme don’t add up, the Australia Institute (September 2025)

Transparency Summit 2024, the Australia Institute

Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.

The government&rsquo;s proposed changes to freedom of information laws represent a &ldquo;serious attack&rdquo; on Australia&rsquo;s democracy, according to former Senator Rex Patrick.
On this episode of Follow the Money, transparency advocate Rex Patrick and Australia Institute Democracy &amp; Accountability Director Bill Browne to discuss the failing freedom of information system and why the proposed changes could make government less transparent &ndash; not more.
Dead Centre: How political pragmatism is killing us by Richard Denniss is <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/dead-centre-vantage-point-issue-2">available now</a> via the Australia Institute website.
Guest:&nbsp;Rex Patrick, former Senator for South Australia // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mrrexpatrick.bsky.social">@mrrexpatrick</a>
Guest: Bill Browne, Democracy &amp; Accountability Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/browne90.bsky.social">@browne90</a>
Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ebonybennett.bsky.social">@ebonybennett</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/proposed-changes-to-freedom-of-information-scheme-dont-add-up/">Proposed changes to Freedom of Information scheme don&rsquo;t add up</a>, the Australia Institute (September 2025)
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/event/transparency-summit-2024/">Transparency Summit 2024</a>, the Australia Institute
Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>.

Economics and politics explained in plain English

Economics and politics explained in plain English

Follow The Money

Economics, politics and policy explained in plain English.

Economics, politics and policy explained in plain English.

The government’s proposed changes to freedom of information laws represent a “serious attack” on Australia’s democracy, according to former Senator Rex Patrick.

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