Our FOI system is a powerful, but lesser-known democratic accountability tool, that has enormous ability to expose wrongdoing. Designed to shine a light into even the darkest, most isolated places of government, it functions to protect the most vulnerable, inform us about what is being done in our name, and hold governments accountable to the people they serve.

But exposed misconduct is embarrassing, and the Australian government is increasingly applying aggressive strategies to dodged its obligations under the FOI system.

We have a plan to:

1. Release a litigation ‘hit list’ that will target the dodgy use of exemptions by Ministers and government departments.

2. Drive attention to the problem at a special webinar with leading experts from media, civil society and politics in November. (Keep an eye out in your inbox for your invitation, coming soon.)

3. Publish a report exposing the abuse of the system by Ministers and government departments and put pressure on them to apply FOI laws properly.

4. Partner with Monash Law School to deliver a law students clinic that will help drive FOI knowledge and results among civil society.

When FOI works, it is incredibly powerful. It can force accountability and lead to rapid change for people suffering human rights abuses, expose environmental misconduct and corruption of our public officials.

The longer FOI laws are dodged, the longer our right to know is being trampled on. It’s a little-discussed but profound attack on democracy that we need to stop. Will you donate to help hold our Government accountable to the law?

With your support:

• $10 b$50 could help fund the report to demand the FOI system be applied for transparency and accountability;

• $100 could fund the establishment of Grata's Legal Clinic at Monash Law School that will support academics, journalists, NGOs and campaigners challenge FOI refusals or redactions.

All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible in Australia. If we raise more than the cost of this campaign, your donation will be used to help cover the cost of ongoing, important Grata work.