Freedom of Information and Privacy in Australia Government and Information Access in the Modern State

Freedom of Information and Privacy in Australia: Government and Information Access in the Modern State provides a clear exposition of the different legal regimes that govern access to, and amendment of, government information, including freedom of information laws, information privacy laws, health records laws and public records laws. It also provides an insightful analysis of their operation, having regard to their context within the 'modern state', an environment that is characterised by privatisation, deregulation and contracting-out and which has been transformed both by information technology and a post-September 11 preoccupation with national security.

As well as providing detailed treatment of Commonwealth, New South Wales and Victorian laws, it also provides useful summaries of the legal regimes in other Australian jurisdictions. This well written book provides a reliable reference for public sector decision-makers who are required to make access decisions and for lawyers, accountants and others who provide advice about FOI and privacy laws. It is also a valuable resource for students, journalists and public interest groups.