In this course, students will explore, critique, and apply issues relating to how the law regulates the collection, processing, and usage of information by government and the private sector. Key questions addressed include: How much control do individuals have over information that relates to them? What are the limits to providing access to government-held information? On what grounds can information be shared, released, withheld, or stored?
The course examines how information is regulated in Australia under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (‘FOIA’) and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and interrogates contemporary issues regarding government information management within the Australian regulatory framework. Students will analyse the role of confidentiality and legislative secrecy provisions, the requirements relating to personal information and other elements of privacy protection, and the operation of FOIA.
To develop their knowledge and skills, students will complete readings and participate in seminars involving lectures and critical discussions.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Analyse and critically reflect on the circumstances in which information developed or held by government should be protected against disclosure.
- Evaluate and apply the principles relating to the procedure for making a FOI request, the FOI decision making process and the application of exemptions from disclose of government held information.
- Synthesise and apply the key concepts and principles of the Privacy framework applicable to government.
- Critically examine a range of perspectives and values that are relevant to access to government information, including the future direction of FOI and privacy law in Australia.
- Research and critically evaluate whether Australia’s regulatory module is equipped to respond to contemporary issues in information management, data protection and privacy.
Indicative Assessment
- The proposed means of assessment for this course will provide students with at least two pieces of assessment, including one piece during the teaching period. More information about the means of assessment, including the relationship between the assessment and the learning outcomes of the course, will be available in the class summary and on the course Canvas page. (100) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Classes offered in non-standard sessions will be taught semi-intensively with compulsory contact hours of approximately 26 hours of face to face teaching. The course will also require advanced preparation through assigned readings. In total, it is anticipated that the hours required for completion of this course (class preparation, teaching and completion of assessment) will not exceed 120 hours.
Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have three contact hours per week. Students are generally expected to devote at least 10 hours overall per week to this course. In total, it is anticipated that the hours required for completion of this course (class preparation, teaching and completion of assessment) will not exceed 120 hours
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately two weeks prior to the commencement of the course. Alternatively, this information will be published in the Program course list when known.
Preliminary Reading
Students must rely on the approved Class Summary which will be posted to the Programs and Courses site approximately 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the course.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $5520 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $7020 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Winter Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6450 | 27 Jul 2026 | 14 Aug 2026 | 14 Aug 2026 | 02 Oct 2026 | Online | N/A |