The federal government faces an uphill battle to pass reforms to Australia's freedom of information laws.

Proposed changes to Australia's Freedom of Information laws would impose higher fees for applications, ban anonymous requests, and give government stronger powers to deter vexatious, abusive, or frivolous requests.

It's angered transparency advocates and been labelled a "truth tax" by the opposition.

• Guest: John McMillan, Emeritus Professor at the ANU Law School and formerly Australia's inaugural Information Commissioner
• Producer: Jason Whittaker