Fisher MP Andrew Wallace says recent Senate estimates hearings have exposed what he claims is a deliberate shift toward secrecy by the Albanese Government.
In a statement, Mr Wallace said transparency was essential to Australia’s system of government and it was the opposition’s role to hold ministers and departments to account.
He pointed to the recent inquiry into freedom of information laws, claiming “almost every major transparency expert” opposed Labor’s FOI bill because it would entrench secrecy.
Mr Wallace also alleged public servants were being coached with a “secret manual” designed to narrow answers and push key questions onto notice.
He said the government had relied on non-disclosure agreements in consultations, resisted Senate orders for documents and attempted to rush FOI changes through parliament.
The MP raised concerns about legal accountability, saying the Attorney-General’s Department could not confirm whether mandatory Legal Services Directions were followed in matters involving former senator Linda Reynolds.
He also criticised what he described as a lack of urgency on national security issues, including antisemitism monitoring and foreign interference.
Mr Wallace said the government’s approach risked weakening public trust and parliamentary oversight.
He linked his criticism to cost-of-living pressures, claiming families were “paying the price” while senior ministers faced scrutiny over travel spending.
Mr Wallace said he would continue to push for accountability and transparency on behalf of Fisher residents.