[Greens-Media] High Court blow against democracy

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Wednesday, 6 September 2006

High Court blow against democracy

The High Court 3-2 decision against Michael McKinnon's Freedom of
Information appeal is a blow against democracy, Greens Leader Bob Brown
said today.

Senator Brown, who introduced FOI to Tasmania in 1991, said the Court's
finding should lead to reform of the law.

"I call on Attorney-General Ruddock to amend the FOI Act so that any
reasonable public interest would ensure the information is
released,"Senator Brown said.

"Information is the currency of democracy. Beyond clear defence of
national security, it is difficult to argue that ministers should be
able to keep the public in the dark. I will look at bringing in an
amendment to fix the problem which allowed the High Court majority to
keep people in the dark," Senator Brown said.

Senator Brown added that former Liberal Senator Allan Missen, the father
of Australia's FOI laws, always intended that the public's right to know
should override ministers protecting their political patch.

Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603



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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au