Most Freedom of Information (FOI) Laws make
extensive promises about public access to government-
held information. Giving the citizens (including
journalists) access to quality, un-spun information
is a way to hold politicians and public servants
accountable. Well functioning FOI systems are safe
guards against corruption and mal-administration.

Unfortunately, for the public, FOI promises are easy
to make, but hard to deliver in practice.

This book describes a pilot project comparing the
FOI regimes in Australia, the US, South Africa,
Thailand and Sweden. The study lays the...