The FOI and the Public Interest Guideline advises agencies on weighing public interest factors when determining FOI applications.

The public interest is described as something that is of serious concern or benefit to the public. It is not usually something of individual interest, although it can be. It is an interest that is common to the community as a whole (or a substantial segment of it).

This guideline includes advice on :

• weighing the public interest
• public interest factors in favour of disclosure
• public interest factors that may favour non-disclosure