Freedom of information is the right to gain access to the government’s data on the procedures and plans of the administration. FOI (Freedom of Information) is referred to as a right to information in Queensland. Every citizen in Queensland has the freedom to get their data that the state holds and make corrections on the wrong or misleading sections. Freedom of information is essential in improving transparency in formulating policies, decisions, and delivery of state facilities. The documents that influence state security, defense or commonwealth-countries and international relationships are not disclosed to the public. The government does not give out personal information ( FOI Fact Sheet 8: Freedom of information-Exemptions , 2010). In accordance to file 424A 2108, a request for the freedom of information is guided by the Privacy Act of 1988 and the FOI of 1982. Complex requests are processed under the Freedom of Information Act. The request for accessing the documents that relate to the discussions between the states of Australian and New Zealand is complicated. Australia should protect the interest of the public and release the records subject to the exemptions, exclusion, rationale, scope, cost, and importance.
The information should be disclosed for corrections. The Australian government can hold information about the refugees that is wrong or misleading that should be verified ( FOI Fact Sheet 8: Freedom of information-Your Personal Information , 2014). The public has right to know the decisions that have been made by the Australian and New Zealand governments. The file 424A 2108 helps the citizen to apply for freedom of information request that is honored after verification. The personal information of the refugees is concealed because of the Privacy Act of 1988 guides the form. On the other hand, the file has a provision on accessing another person’s information which is against a person’s freedom of information.
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The information to be accessed is limited to refugees who would want to obtain the information. The refugees may lack documents such as identification cards, passports, and travel documentation. Most of the refugees cannot satisfy the board which will result in denial to get their information that should be free from mistakes ( FOI Fact Sheet 8: Freedom of information-How to Apply , 2010). The information on the refugees is bound to affect international and commonwealth countries information. The personal welfare of the refugees should be protected from the citizens of Australia and New Zealand. The data qualifies to be enclosed to the public. Since the file 424A 2108, is subject to the Freedom of Information Act of 1982, all data of the refugees will be protected. The data does not favor the refugees regarding accessing their information.
The costs associated with retrieving the information from the website are high for ordinary citizens. The individuals who have high earnings are privileged to access the documents as compared to the low-income earners when they get a permit to check the data ( FOI Fact Sheet 8: Freedom of information-How to Apply , 2010). The costs cannot be met by refugees because they do not have income. Although the file 424A 2108, provides that the first five hours the website has free access, individuals who have money to cater for the expenses get detailed information.
The documents on the discussions can raise public interest including unnecessary debates and misunderstanding. Concerning the FIA Act, the government should conceal the information that is sensitive to the public ( FOI Fact Sheet 8: Freedom of information-What Information does the Government hold? 2011). The file 424A 2108 protects the government from public rebellion.
In conclusion, documents should be accessed by exemptions, exclusion, costs, scope, and public interest. The form 424A 2108 is essential in protecting the personal welfare of citizens, the government, and the refugees. It denies the refugees to access information because they have no documents that are needed to complete the form. The form should provide room for refugees for them to address their concerns.
References
FOI Fact Sheet 8: Freedom of information-Exemptions . (2010). [Ebook] (pp. 1-2). Retrieved from http://www.oaic.gov.au
FOI Fact Sheet 8: Freedom of information-How to apply . (2014). [Ebook] (pp. 1-3). Retrieved from http://www.oaic.gov.au
FOI Fact Sheet 8: Freedom of information-What information does the Government hold? . (2011). [Ebook] (pp. 1-2). Retrieved from http://www.oaic.gov.au
FOI Fact Sheet 8: Freedom of information-Your Personal Information . (2014). [Ebook] (pp. 1-2). Retrieved from http://www.oaic.gov.au
