The process is proceeding as it should regardless. Anyone is able to put in a GIPA request, and they are allowed to refuse the information. As stated in the post an appeal of that decision is underway.
We need to start caring if the appeal is also refused.
Try your local member. My local electorate is Fairfax so a bit of a no brainer.
Edit: Before anyone points out Clive's not in the Senate, he does have a very vocal, ongoing feud against the AEC and the budget for the AEC would most likely originate in the lower house.
The AEC is supposed to be non-partisan, and not have much to do with the parties themselves, IIRC (although they do report to the government at the end of the day).
Your point is well taken though. I'm thoroughly disgusted with the fear-mongering, technophobic way our government has conducted itself.
If you're interested in applying your technical skills to furthering the democratic process in Australia, volunteer with the Open Australia Foundation (which is what I'm doing). They've got everything on GitHub, and accept PRs!
(Note that while it was moved by a Greens Senator, I'm not affiliated with the Greens and this is not a party political thing that's going on)
Failing that, maybe consider donating to my fund to fight this decision in court: http://pozi.be/easycountaat?ra=247325
[1]: http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/sites/default/files/ron...
[2]: http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/content/news-stories/up...