Shakedown at Transparency Corral. Government brings out the money gun

Key points

• The Albanese government has launched a second Federal Court appeal against a Freedom of Information (FOI) win, seeking legal costs if it succeeds. The appeal concerns documents on how the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) determines foreign acquisition conditions.
• The government's tactics, including threatening high legal bills, aim to deter FOI applicants and maintain secrecy.
• Critics argue this strategy undermines transparency and democracy.