Australians overwhelmingly value their right to access government information, with strong public backing for greater transparency and reporting in the digital age, according to new research released today by the nation’s information regulators.
The 2025 cross-jurisdictional Information Access Study, the fourth since 2019, found 91–96% of people across all participating jurisdictions consider the right to access government-held information important, and around 90% agree it improves transparency and accountability. More than half rated the right as “very important”.
Awareness and confidence vary widely by state and territory. The ACT recorded the highest understanding of access laws and the strongest confidence in government allowing access to information about decision-making (61%, compared with 42–52% elsewhere). NSW and Queensland showed the greatest need for improvement in familiarity with relevant legislation, while knowledge of oversight organisations was highest in the ACT, followed by Victoria.
The survey shows strong support for proactive disclosure in the digital era. More than three-quarters of respondents want governments to publicly report on any technology used to inform decisions, with the strongest expectations directed at the Australian Government. Across jurisdictions, 86–90% agree agencies should publicly report on the information they maintain.
In practice, personal information, reports and data, and administrative documents are the most commonly accessed materials. A large majority of applicants (over 80%) received all or partial access, with the ACT most likely to grant full access. Email is the main channel for requests, though phone and in-person contact remain significant. More than 80% said agencies provided advice and assistance, and ACT agencies were most often rated “very helpful” (82%, compared with 59–70% elsewhere). Over the next two years, people expect to seek personal information most often, followed by spending and budgeting documents, and reports and data. Online portals and email are the preferred channels for future requests.
“The right to access government-held information remains a cornerstone of open, accountable and participatory democracy. As the regulators of information access around Australia, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting transparency and empowering the public through access to information – especially in the digital age,” the participating commissioners and the ACT Ombudsman said in a joint statement.
“This year’s cross-jurisdictional survey highlights the enduring value Australians place on their right to access government information, with over 90% of respondents recognising its importance. The findings also underscore the public’s strong belief that access enhances transparency and accountability – particularly in areas such as decision-making and the use of technology in government.”
“The results also reveal disparities in awareness and confidence across jurisdictions. While ACT residents report the highest levels of understanding and confidence of their information access rights, other jurisdictions show room for improvement. This reinforces the need for continued education, support and proactive disclosure practices.”
The release coincides with International Access to Information Day 2025, where this year’s theme focuses on environmental transparency. “As we mark International Access to Information Day 2025, the theme ‘Ensuring access to environmental information in the digital age’ aligns strongly with the findings of this year’s survey.”
“Nearly 90% of respondents agree that government agencies should publicly report on the information they retain. This can include environmental data and information about the condition of ecosystems, the planning and regulation of infrastructure and development, air and water quality, climate data, biodiversity, and urban planning.”
“While 10–20% had sought environmental information over the past three years, 22–43% said that they were likely to attempt to access this information within the next two years.”
“We call on the various public sectors across Australia to adopt an Open by Design approach to embed transparency into digital systems and processes from the outset. This includes making environmental data and decision-making information readily accessible through user-friendly digital platforms.”
“As stewards of the public’s right to know, we remain committed to advancing a modern, effective framework for information access – one that not only meets the expectations and ongoing transformation of Australia’s digital landscape but also supports informed public participation in shaping Australia’s environmental future.”
The statement was co-signed by Elizabeth Tydd and Alice Linacre PSM from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner; Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM (NSW); Sean Morrison (Victoria); Joanne Kummrow and Stephanie Winson (Queensland); Annelies Moens (Western Australia); and Iain Anderson, the ACT Ombudsman.
The full results are available from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
