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Yes, a WhatsApp message could be subject to FOI – but you'd have to find it first Moira Paterson , Monash University   Secure messaging services like WhatsApp often feature in the news in the context of their potential use by terrorists . But paradoxically they are now used increasingly by Commonwealth government ministers and other senior officials . This raises important issues in terms of record-keeping, and whether messages on these services are accessible via Freedom of Information ( FOI ). Read more: Banning MPs from private messaging apps is a simplistic response to a complex problem What is FOI and what documents does it apply to? FOI laws are designed to make governments more open and accountable by providing access to documents that shed light on their activities. The Commonwealth FOI Act applies to the individuals and bodies that make up the Commonwealth government sector, although it excludes some specific bodies and documents . The Act provide

Nice and deserved tributes in today's Sydney Morning Herald in an obituary by former NSW Solicitor General Michael Sexton for Kevin O'Connor who died in September Kevin's full and rich life detailed there, was Australia's first federal privacy commissioner and the foundation president of the NSW Administrative Decisions Tribunal and later Deputy President of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. And brought plenty of knowledge and experience to those jobs. Kevin had been head of research at the Australian Law Reform Commission 1976-1979 when one of its references was the ALRC's first on privacy. And Director of Policy and Research Victorian Attorney General's Department 1983-1985 when Victoria was the first state in Australia to introduce freedom of information legislation. And much, much more Kevin was a warm, friendly fellow with a lively glint in his eyes every time you encountered him. Sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family.

This article was first published on The Conversation Voters want their governments – local, state, and federal – to clean up their act and put integrity reforms high on the agenda. AAP/Mick Tsikas Danielle Wood , Grattan Institute ; Carmela Chivers , Grattan Institute , and Kate Griffiths , Grattan Institute This week we’re exploring the state of nine different policy areas across Australia’s states, as detailed in Grattan Institute’s State Orange Book 2018 . Read the other articles in the series here . When it comes to cleaning up Australian politics, some states are doing much better than others – and almost all are showing up the Commonwealth government. Grattan Institute’s State Orange Book 2018 , released this week, compares the states and territories on the strength of their political institutions and checks and balances (among other things). Queensland and NSW received an A grade from Grattan for political transparency and accountability. Both