The Kiwi Paradox - A Comparison of Freedom of Information in Australia and New Zealand

Federal Law Review Vol 28 No. 3, 2000, 575-616

43 Pages Posted: 18 Dec 2014

Date Written: December 16, 2000

Abstract

New Zealand has been more successful in implementing a working FOI scheme than Australia, despite the opposite seeming likely when they were adopted in the early 1980s. When evaluated it is apparent that the New Zealand legislation has resulted in higher levels of government openness, which is largely due to differences in the original design principles. This paper demonstrates how divergences in historical origins, choice of exceptions, the role of public interest, processes of review and the administration of the Acts are responsible for the significantly different outcomes. It aims to encourage and provide scope for further comparative study between the operation of FOI in Australia and New Zealand.

Keywords: Official Information Act, FOI, New Zealand, comparative study

Suggested Citation

Snell, Rick Douglas, The Kiwi Paradox - A Comparison of Freedom of Information in Australia and New Zealand (December 16, 2000). Federal Law Review Vol 28 No. 3, 2000, 575-616, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2539424

Rick Douglas Snell (Contact Author)

University of Tasmania ( email )

French Street
Sandy Bay
Tasmania, 7250
Australia
61362262062 (Phone)
61362267623 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.ricksnell.com.au

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