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Message from FOI Commissioner Alice Linacre
Hello and welcome to our latest ICON alert.
Earlier this year, the Association of Information Access Commissioners (AIAC) endorsed the implementation of a single, consistent Access to Information icon for use across agencies and jurisdictions.
The new icon is available for all government agencies to use, and we have developed a range of implementation materials including:
These resources are intended to support consistent adoption of the icon and improve how the public finds and accesses government-held information.
About the icon
The new icon provides a clear, recognisable entry point for users to locate government information across websites, regardless of jurisdiction or legislative framework.
The design features a hand holding the universal ‘i’ symbol, representing:
- Information (recognisable ‘i’)
- access and disclosure (information being offered)
- support and enablement (the guiding hand)
- user agency (information in the user’s hands).
Why this matters
A consistent visual cue across agencies will:
- make access easier by reducing reliance on knowledge of specific legislation (FOI, RTI, GIPA, etc.)
- support open government by improving visibility and usability of published information
- build consistency across jurisdictions, strengthening recognition and reducing confusion.
Key implementation points
You are encouraged to:
- place the icon on your homepage (e.g. header or footer utility area)
- link it to a central ‘Access to information’ landing page, including:
- proactively published information
- disclosure logs or publication schemes
- FOI request pathways
- guidance on accessing unpublished information.
The implementation guide and style guide include detailed requirements, including:
- accessibility standards (e.g. colour contrast and alternative text)
- minimum sizing and spacing
- rules to ensure consistency (no alteration of colours, proportions or design).
We have also updated our guide for agency websites to help you implement the icon on your own website. Read more at Guide to the access of information page on an agency's website.
Getting started
When implementing the icon, please ensure:
- only approved design files are used
- placement is consistent across your website
- accessibility requirements are met
- content behind the icon is clear and user-friendly.
The introduction of this icon is an important step toward simplifying what can often be a complex and fragmented experience, helping people find government information more quickly and confidently.
We recommend that you liaise with your Communications and Web teams. You Communications team can ensure any messaging is relevant for your agency, while your Web team can implement the icon on your agency’s website.
Resources
Check the implementation guide
If you have any questions about implementation or require further support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the OAIC’s Communications & Engagement Team.
