Speaking at a luncheon to celebrate The Canberra Times' 50^th anniversary, Mr Fraser said politicians also had a duty to keep the press as accurately and fully informed as possible.

Mr Fraser said that the interdepartmental committee which reported nearly two years prior on the proposed FOI legislation had been reconvened, had met on a number of occasions, and had been directed to report as soon as possible.

"I have also written to Ministers in recent days," he said, asking them to review secrecy provisions in legislation for which they are responsible.

"I want to make it plain that the purpose of this review is to reduce unnecessary secrecy."

Saying he had very good relations with the press (which prompted laughter), Mr Fraser also said that "over the years The Canberra Times news and comment pages have filled me with a variety of emotions".

"I imagine they will continue to do so," he said.

He said he had been a reader of the newspaper for about 21 years.

Sir Warwick Fairfax, also addressed the 200 guests, and announced a gift from The Times to the city, a fountain for Ainslie Avenue, which still stands today outside Canberra Centre.

A sculpture in stainless steel and water, lit from below at night, it was designed by Robert Woodward.

See https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110827125/12225103