Commonwealth Numbered Acts

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 1982 No. 3 of 1982 - SECT 44

44. (1) A document is an exempt document if its disclosure under this Act
would be contrary to the public interest by reason that it -

   (a)  would, or could reasonably be expected to, have a substantial adverse
effect on the ability of the Government of the Commonwealth to
manage the economy of Australia; or

   (b)  could reasonably be expected to result in an undue disturbance of the
ordinary course of business in the community, or an undue benefit or
detriment to any person or class of persons, by reason of giving
premature knowledge of or concerning proposed or possible action or
inaction of the Government or Parliament of the Commonwealth.

(2) The kinds of documents to which sub-section (1) may apply include, but are
not limited to, documents containing matter relating to -

   (a)  currency or exchange rates;

   (b)  interest rates;

   (c)  taxes, including duties of customs or of excise;

   (d)  the regulation or supervision of banking, insurance and other
        financial
institutions;

   (e)  proposals for expenditure;

   (f)  foreign investment in Australia; or

   (g)  borrowings by the Commonwealth, a State or an authority of the
Commonwealth or of a State.