The Australian government has withdrawn its controversial Freedom of Information amendment bill from the Australian Senate, effectively abandoning the proposed changes after it became clear the legislation lacked the support needed to pass.
The decision was announced by finance minister Katy Gallagher, who said the government had accepted the bill would not succeed in its current form.
“The government is taking this step because we understand it does not have the support of the Senate and it would not pass the Senate in its current form,” Gallagher told the chamber.
The bill had faced strong opposition from the Coalition, the Greens and several crossbench senators, who argued the proposed changes risked limiting public access to government information.
Gallagher said the government remained committed to reforming the Freedom of Information system and would continue discussions about new legislation.
“We have an open mind and we’ll continue to engage on the final form of the reforms that we will bring back to the parliament to get on with fixing the FOI system,” she said.
The government has argued that the current system places a significant administrative burden on departments and agencies.
According to Gallagher, processing FOI requests cost government agencies nearly $100 million during the 2024–25 financial year, with public servants spending almost one million hours handling requests.
She also raised concerns about the safety of public sector employees, saying some staff had faced threats after personal details were identified through information requests.
Opposition figures welcomed the government’s decision to withdraw the legislation.
Shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash described the move as a victory for transparency.
“What a win for democracy, what a win for transparency, but more than that what a win for Australian people,” Cash said.
She argued the proposed reforms would have restricted the public’s ability to access government-held information.
Independent senator Fatima Payman also criticised the proposal, questioning why the government was attempting to change the system in a way she said would reduce access.
“What do you have to hide that you’re so adamant on making it harder for people to gain access to information from your government?” Payman said.
Other senators said the outcome demonstrated the Senate’s role as a check on executive power.
Independent senator David Pocock said the episode showed the chamber functioning as intended.
“This is an example of the Senate doing its job to be a check on executive power,” he said.
Former senator Rex Patrick, a prominent campaigner for government transparency, described the decision as a victory for civil society.
Greens senator David Shoebridge said the bill belonged “in the dustbin” and criticised the government for pursuing legislation that lacked parliamentary support.
Because all parties supported removing the bill, the motion to discharge it did not proceed to a formal vote.
