A Freedom of Information (FOI) request is a formal written request made under Australian law for access to documents held by government agencies or ministers. The right to make an FOI request is one of the most important tools citizens have to hold government accountable. In Australia, the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) gives every person a legally enforceable right to access documents held by Commonwealth agencies and ministers (s11 FOI Act 1982). Each state and territory has equivalent legislation: the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW), the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic), the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld), the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA), the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (SA), the Right to Information Act 2009 (Tas), the Freedom of Information Act 2016 (ACT), and the Information Act 2002 (NT).

The right of access extends to any recorded information held by a government agency in any format — paper documents, electronic files, emails, reports, briefing notes, photographs, video and audio recordings, maps, and databases. The access right covers both personal documents (documents about the applicant) and non-personal documents (policy documents, ministerial correspondence, agency reports, and other government records). There is no requirement to give reasons for making an FOI request.

FOI rights are not unlimited. Both the Commonwealth Act and state/territory legislation provide for categories of exempt documents, including documents relating to national security, Cabinet documents, legal professional privilege, personal privacy of third parties, and commercial confidentiality. Where an exemption applies only to part of a document, the agency must delete the exempt matter and provide the rest of the document.

The right of access under FOI is a powerful tool for journalists, researchers, lawyers, advocacy groups, businesses, and private individuals. It can be used to check what information the government holds about you, to scrutinise government decision-making, to obtain documents needed for legal proceedings, or to investigate matters of public interest.

An FOI request is needed whenever you want to access documents held by an Australian government agency and the agency has not voluntarily published or provided those documents. FOI requests are made in a wide range of circumstances.

Personal records are one of the most common reasons for making an FOI request. If you want to know what information a government agency holds about you — such as your Centrelink or Medicare file, your visa application file, your tax records, your immigration history, or your records with a law enforcement agency — you can make a personal FOI request. For personal requests under the Commonwealth FOI Act 1982 (Cth), there is no application fee and no processing charge for the first 5 hours of decision-making time.

Government decision-making and accountability is another major use of FOI. Journalists, researchers, and advocacy organisations regularly use FOI requests to access ministerial briefing notes, Cabinet submissions, internal policy documents, contracts between government and private companies, agency reports, and correspondence between officials. These requests are essential for journalism, policy research, and democratic accountability.

Legal proceedings and administrative decisions frequently prompt FOI requests. If you are challenging a government decision — such as a visa refusal, a development approval, a Centrelink determination, or an ASIC decision — an FOI request for the relevant agency file can reveal the reasons for the decision, the documents that were considered, and any internal assessments or recommendations. This information can be critical for preparing an appeal or review.

Business and commercial matters can require FOI requests for access to government contracts, tender documents, regulatory decisions, and other documents that affect commercial interests. Under the Commonwealth FOI Act 1982 (Cth), companies and other legal entities have the same right of access as individuals.

A valid FOI request under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory legislation must contain several key elements.

The request must be in writing. Under s15(1) of the FOI Act 1982 (Cth), a request must be in writing. Email is acceptable for Commonwealth agencies and most state and territory agencies. Some agencies have online FOI request portals.

The applicant's identity and contact details must be provided. Under s15(2)(a), the request must provide such information as is reasonably necessary to enable the agency to identify and contact the applicant. This includes the applicant's full name, postal or email address, and telephone number.

The documents must be adequately described. Under s15(2)(b), the request must describe the documents sought in sufficient detail to enable a responsible officer to identify them. The description should include the subject matter, date range, type of documents, and any relevant reference numbers. Vague or overly broad descriptions can result in the agency contacting you for clarification, which can delay the process.

The applicable legislation must be identified. The request should state the legislative basis for the request — for example, the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) for Commonwealth agencies or the relevant state or territory Act.

Delivery preferences should be stated. Under s17 of the FOI Act 1982 (Cth), the applicant can request access in a particular form. Requesting electronic copies by email is the most efficient method. Requests for inspection at agency premises are also available.

A fee waiver request (if applicable) should be clearly stated. If you are seeking a waiver of any processing charges, the grounds for the waiver (financial hardship or public interest) should be set out in the request under s29(5) of the FOI Act 1982 (Cth).

The request must be directed to the correct agency. FOI requests must be directed to the agency or minister that holds the documents. Sending a request to the wrong agency can delay the process. Agencies are required to transfer requests to another agency if they reasonably believe the document is held by that other agency (s16 FOI Act 1982 (Cth)).