Freedom of information reports

The Australian Information Commissioner (Information Commissioner) may undertake a Commissioner initiated investigation into an agency's actions in performing its functions or exercising its powers under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

The investigation may look at a single agency decision or action, at a systemic problem or recurring pattern in an agency's practices and processes in handling freedom of information (FOI) matters, or at a practice or problem occurring in more than one agency. The issue to be investigated may come to the attention of the Information Commissioner as a result of an Information Commissioner review, of a series of applications for an Information Commissioner review, or in some other way.

The Information Commissioner cannot investigate action taken by a minister in dealing FOI matters. A similar restriction applies to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.