Overview of Section 50(a) FOI Act

Section summary

Matter is exempt if its public disclosure would be in contempt of court.

Background

The concept of contempt of court is based on the protection and maintenance of public confidence in the effective administration of justice.¹

Unlike other exemptions under the FOI Act, this section is not subject to public interest considerations.

¹Henderson and Department of Education (Unreported, Queensland Information Commissioner, 22 July 2007) at paragraph 23. [up]