(In)accessible Information: Australia's approach to Transparency

Access to government information is crucial to democracy. It underpins the core Australian constitutional tenets of representative and responsible government. Yet, under successive governments, the mechanisms by which Australians can access information have buckled. Join award-winning journalist Quentin Dempster AO in conversation with four leaders driving to improve the public's right to information in Australia. Speakers: Rex Patrick Former South Australian Senator Rex Patrick is at the forefront of Freedom of Information litigation. Since leaving parliament, he has submitted nearly 300 FOI requests and had major wins in providing the public access to National Cabinet documents and more. Professor Peter Coaldrake AO With a distinguished career in public service and higher education, Professor Coaldrake undertook a review of culture and accountability in the Queensland Public Sector in 2022. His report’s recommendations are widely regarded as among the highest integrity standards in Australia. Maria Nawaz Maria Nawaz is General Counsel at Grata Fund, Australia's first not-for-profit litigation funder and incubator. She leads Grata's legal work on climate justice, human rights and democracy, with a particular focus on FOI. Dr Catherine Williams Catherine Williams, Executive Director at the Centre for Public Integrity, is leading the Centre's efforts to secure greater transparency of government information and better access by both citizens and Parliament.