The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has observed a notable advancement in the handling of Freedom of Information (FOI) cases for the 2023/24 fiscal year. 

The OAIC’s latest update highlights a substantial reduction in the longstanding backlog of FOI cases.

According to Australian Freedom of Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd, the OAIC has successfully halted the eight-year growth of the FOI backlog. 

“The figures demonstrate that the 8-year growth of the FOI Backlog has been arrested. As a result, with sustained commitment, we are positioned to be a more contemporary and effective regulator,” Commissioner Tydd said.

The OAIC has experienced a consistent rise in applications for review of FOI decisions by agencies and Ministers, averaging a 12 per cent increase per year since its establishment. 

In 2023/24, the OAIC received 1,762 applications, the second highest number since its inception. Despite a 7 per cent increase in applications this year, the OAIC managed to finalise 1,753 FOI review cases, marking a 15 per cent increase in case finalisations. 

The OAIC's improvements are not limited to managing the backlog. 

Despite a 27 per cent increase in FOI complaints, there was a remarkable 204 per cent increase in complaint finalisations. 

All FOI complaints received and registered up to 2022 have been finalised, reducing the total complaints on hand to 78. 

Additionally, the OAIC conducted and finalised 24 complaint investigations in 2023/24, a seven-fold increase from previous years. The number of review decisions issued also surged, with a 200 per cent increase, totalling 207 decisions.

The OAIC says it revised the FOI Guidelines and introduced two Procedural Directions aimed at expediting finalisations and improving first-instance decision-making. 

The agency also completed the Information Publication Scheme review, which occurs every five years, and has embarked on a concerted effort to assist agencies in meeting their proactive publication requirements.

Commissioner Tydd acknowledged that while the OAIC has made significant strides, sustaining progress and further improvement will depend on resources and the number of reviews requested. 

“Looking ahead we will also work with agencies to improve their decision making and guide their FOI practices to ease compliance. In doing so our objectives are to ensure that the Australian community enjoys their right to access government information and, we effectively contribute to a healthy democracy,” she said.