Overview of section 47(3)(b) RTI Act

Section summary

Section 47 of the RTI Act outlines the grounds for refusal of access to information under the RTI Act.

Section 47(3)(b) of the RTI Act provides that access may be refused to information if its disclosure would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest. Schedule 4 of the RTI Act sets out factors the Parliament considers relevant to determining whether disclosing information would, on balance be contrary to the public interest. The factors identified in schedule 4 are not an exhaustive list.

Other relevant RTI/IP Act sections

Section 49 RTI Act
Section 49 of the RTI Act provides that access must be given to a document unless disclosure would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest. The provision sets out the steps to be taken in determining whether disclosure would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest.

Schedule 4 RTI Act
Schedule 4 of the RTI Act sets out factors the Parliament considers relevant to determining whether disclosing information would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest.