Case to extend FOI five-hour free search to universities, historians, researchers, writers

First 4 of 4 paragraphs shown Under the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 2009, for journalists and not-for-profit organisations, the first five decision-making hours or FOI search were were charge free.
Public access: The distinction recognises that journalists and NGOs in the pursuit of information to inform public debate or criticise the government may place wide-ranging or technical requests that require greater examination by the relevant department.
Case to to extend fee-free rules: Federal Member for Pearce Judi Moylan, LIberal Party, speaking, speaking 11 May on the Information Commissioner Bill 2009 and the cognate bill, the Freedom of Information Amendment (Reform) Bill 2009, said “To further enhance this bill, the five-hour charge-free provision should be extended to universities, historians, researchers, writers and, dare I say it, politicians. People undertaking these professions also add to the public debate and inform society. Perhaps they too should be allowed the same concessions”.
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