Document 1
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a
substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a
decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or
waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue
you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email
stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Wednesday, 22 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be deemed withdrawn
under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of
Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at:
What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
- Position Number: 60141911
Senior FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Grouop
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
2
Document 2
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time
limit, we will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be
waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated,
or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the
interest of a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant
matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to
make a decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges
decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees
to reduce or waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you
have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to
this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Wednesday, 22 March
2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be
deemed withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom
of Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about
charging at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
2
Document 2
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position Number: 60141911
Senior FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Grouop
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
3
Document 3
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a
substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a
decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or
waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue
you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email
stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Wednesday, 22 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be deemed withdrawn
under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of
Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at:
What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position Number: 60141911
Senior FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Grouop
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
2
Document 4
Option 1: Pay the charge
If you choose to pay the charge, you are deemed to have accepted the Department’s decision to
impose the charge.
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time limit, we
will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be waived or
reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of
a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a
decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email
stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Wednesday, 22 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be deemed
withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of
Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging
2
Document 4
at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - position number 60097486
FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch
Data and Economics Analysis Centre| Executive Group
Department of Home Affairs
OFFICIAL
3
Document 5
at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - position number 60097486
FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch
Data and Economics Analysis Centre| Executive Group
Department of Home Affairs
OFFICIAL
3
Document 7
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time
limit, we will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be
waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated,
or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the
interest of a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant
matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to
make a decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges
decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees
to reduce or waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you
have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to
this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Friday, 24 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be
deemed withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom
of Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about
charging at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
2
Document 7
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position Number: 60100057
Authorised Decision Maker
Department of Home Affairs
E:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
3
Document 8
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time
limit, we will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be
waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated,
or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial
hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in
the interest of a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant
matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to
make a decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges
decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees
to reduce or waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you
have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to
this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Friday, 24 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be
deemed withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom
of Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
2
Document 8
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about
charging at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely,
[electronically signed]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position number: 60025562
Authorised FOI Officer
Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs
E: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
cid:image001.png@01D8B643.CCD9CEC0
OFFICIAL
3
Document 9
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a
substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a
decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or
waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue
you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email
stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Wednesday, 29 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be deemed withdrawn
under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of
Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at:
What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a
Position No. 60165359
Authorised FOI Officer - Freedom of Information
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
2
Document 9
OFFICIAL
3
Document 10
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a
substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a
decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or
waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue
you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email
stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Monday, 27 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be deemed withdrawn
under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of
Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at:
What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a
Position No. 60165359
Authorised FOI Officer - Freedom of Information
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
2
Document 11
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a
substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a
decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or
waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue
you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email
stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Monday, 27 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be deemed withdrawn
under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of
Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at:
What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a
Position No. 60165359
Authorised FOI Officer - Freedom of Information
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
2
Document 11
3
Document 13
From:
FOI
To:
s. 47F(1)
Subject:
FA 23-02-00993 - Notice of Charge - s. 47F(1)
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Monday, 27 February 2023 10:35:36 AM
Attachments:
FA 23-02-00993 - Notice of Charge - s. 47F(1)
.pdf
OFFICIAL
FOI Request: FA 23/02/00993
File Number: FAA2302/00993
Dear s. 47F(1)
I refer to your request to access documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act), which
the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) received on 16 February 2023.
As provided under section 29 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) and the Freedom of
Information (Charges) Regulations 1982 (the Regulations), I have determined that payment is required for this
request to be processed.
Preliminary assessment of charges
I have assessed the work the Department would need to do to process your request, taking into account the time
that would be spent by the relevant business areas in producing documents from the Department’s computer
systems under section 17 of the FOI Act and assessing the documents for release. I have calculated the charge
as follows:
Search and retrieval: (1 hours 10 minutes @ $15 per hour) = $17.00
Decision making: No charge
(no charges are applied for the first five hours of decision-making)
Total: $17.00
(charge has been rounded down to the nearest whole dollar amount)
Next steps
Within 30 days of this email you must:
• pay the charge indicated in the attached invoice for your request to proceed, and/or
• write to the Department if you believe the charge has been wrongly assessed, should be reduced or not
imposed, or
• withdraw your request.
Your request will not be processed until you take one of these actions. Your request will be withdrawn if you do
not take action with 30 days.
Option 1: Pay the charge
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time limit, we will refund your
payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
1
Document 13
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a substantial
section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a decision to
reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or waive the
charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx<mailto:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> or
reply to this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by Wednesday, 29 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe your request will be deemed withdrawn under
section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of Information request
(homeaffairs.gov.au)<https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/access-and-accountability/freedom-of-
information/access-to-information/we-consider-your-foi-request>
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at: What
charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)<https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/how-to-make-an-
foi-request/what-charges-may-apply>
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx<mailto:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> if you have any questions about this
notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a
Position No. 60165359
Authorised FOI Officer - Freedom of Information
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au<http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/>
2
Document 13
Email xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx<mailto:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
OFFICIAL
3
Document 14
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be waived or
reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a
substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a
decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge or a deposit. If the Department agrees to
reduce or waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we
will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email
stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Thursday, 30 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be deemed withdrawn
under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of
Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at:
What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a
Position No. 60165359
Authorised FOI Officer - Freedom of Information
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
2
Document 15
From:
FOI
To:
s. 47F(1)
Bcc:
FOI
Subject:
FA 23/02/01090 – Notice of Charge s. 47F(1)– s. 47F(1)
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Tuesday, 28 February 2023 2:22:47 PM
Attachments:
FA 23-02-01090 –Notice of Charge – s. 47F(1)
.pdf
OFFICIAL
FOI Request: FA 23/02/01090
File Number: FAA2302/01090
Dear s. 47F(1)
I refer to your request to access documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act), which
the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) received on 19 February 2023.
As provided under section 29 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) and the Freedom of
Information (Charges) Regulations 1982 (the Regulations), I have determined that payment is required for this
request to be processed.
Preliminary assessment of charges
I have assessed the work the Department would need to do to process your request, taking into account the time
that would be spent by the relevant business areas in producing documents from the Department’s computer
systems under section 17 of the FOI Act and assessing the documents for release. I have calculated the charge
as follows:
Search and retrieval: (2 hours 20 minutes @ $15 per hour) = $35.00
Decision making: No charge
(no charges are applied for the first five hours of decision-making)
Total: $35.00
(charge has been rounded down to the nearest whole dollar amount)
Next steps
Within 30 days of this email you must:
•pay the charge indicated in the attached invoice for your request to proceed, and/or
•write to the Department if you believe the charge has been wrongly assessed, should be reduced or not
imposed, or
•withdraw your request.
Your request will not be processed until you take one of these actions. Your request will be withdrawn if you do
not take action with 30 days.
Option 1: Pay the charge
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time limit, we will refund your
payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
1
Document 15
•that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
•that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a substantial section of
the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a decision to
reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or waive the
charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email stating that
you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by Thursday, 30 March 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe your request will be deemed withdrawn under
section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of Information request
(homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at: What
charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a
Position No. 60165359
Authorised FOI Officer - Freedom of Information
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
2
Document 16
From:
FOI
To:
s. 47F(1)
Bcc:
FOI
Subject:
FA 23-02-01168 - Notice of Charge - s. 47F(1)
- INV 1198125879 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Monday, 6 March 2023 12:56:28 PM
Attachments:
FA 23-02-01168 - Notice of Charge - s. 47F(1)
.pdf
OFFICIAL
FOI Request: FA 23/02/01168
File Number: FAA2302/01168
Dear s. 47F(1)
I refer to your request to access documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act), which
the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) received on 20 February 2023.
As provided under section 29 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) and the Freedom of
Information (Charges) Regulations 1982 (the Regulations), I have determined that payment is required for this
request to be processed.
Preliminary assessment of charges
I have assessed the work the Department would need to do to process your request, taking into account the time
that would be spent by the relevant business areas in producing documents from the Department’s computer
systems under section 17 of the FOI Act and assessing the documents for release. I have calculated the charge
as follows:
Search and retrieval: (0 hours 55 minutes @ $15 per hour) = $13.00
Decision making: No charge
(no charges are applied for the first five hours of decision-making)
Total: $13.00
(charge has been rounded down to the nearest whole dollar amount)
Next steps
Within 30 days of this email you must:
•pay the charge indicated in the attached invoice for your request to proceed, and/or
•write to the Department if you believe the charge has been wrongly assessed, should be reduced or not
imposed, or
•withdraw your request.
Your request will not be processed until you take one of these actions. Your request will be withdrawn if you do
not take action with 30 days.
Option 1: Pay the charge
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time limit, we will refund your
payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be waived or reduced
1
Document 16
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
•that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
•that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a substantial section of
the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a decision to
reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or waive the
charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email stating that
you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by Wednesday, 5 April 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe your request will be deemed withdrawn under
section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of Information request
(homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at: What
charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a
Position No. 60165359
Authorised FOI Officer - Freedom of Information
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
2
Document 18
You can either pay the full amount now, or a deposit of $
52.00.
You will receive a final notice of charges once the Department has made its decision on
your access request. No documents will be released to you until you have paid any
outstanding charges.
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time
limit, we will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be
waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated,
or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial
hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in
the interest of a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant
matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to
make a decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges
decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge or a deposit. If the
Department agrees to reduce or waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less
than the amount you have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to
this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Thursday, 13 April 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be
deemed withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
2
Document 18
A copy of the FOI Act is available at
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom
of Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about
charging at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely,
[electronically signed]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position number: 60025562
Authorised FOI Officer
Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs
E: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
cid:image001.png@01D8B643.CCD9CEC0
OFFICIAL
3
Document 18.1
From:
s. 47F(1)
To:
FOI
Subject:
Re: FOI Request: FA 23/02/01635 - Notice of Charge - s. 47F(1)[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Thursday, 13 April 2023 4:00:58 PM
Dear FOI,
RE: Incorrect charge and Request to waive the charge
Dear Sir/Madam
I refer to FOI request FA 23/02/01635 which was made on 25 February 2023. The Department contacted me on
14 March 2023 with an invoice for this FOI request.
Please note due to formatting issues, the correct AGLC4 citation could not be added and the document has
included the case citation within the text for the relevant authorities.
I contest the charges are incorrect as the access to the documents is in the general public’s interest or in the
interest of a substantial section of the public. Section 29(1)(f)(ii) of the FOI Act 1982 (Cth) gives the power to
contest such charges imposed by the agency or the Minister.
Documents Requested:
“The key briefs relating to outcome 2 of the February Senate Estimate hearing, outcome 2 refers to: "Support a
prosperous and united Australia through effective coordination and delivery of immigration and social cohesion
policies and programs."
Public Interest Tests
As outlined in the assessment notice provided by the Department on 14 March 2023, one of the grounds I could
contest the charges imposed on this FOI request is the documents released is in general public’s interest or in
the interest of a substantial section of the public.
One of the main ways to assess public interest is to refer to the Freedom of Information Guidelines published by
the Australian Information Commissioner (Wilson AM v Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
2023) Paragraph 6.5 of the Guidelines set out the general principles regarding what is in the public interest:
1
Document 18.1
• something that is of serious concern or benefit to the public, not merely of individual interest;
•not something of interest to the public, but in the interest of the public;
•not a static concept, where it lies in a particular matter will often depend on a balancing of interests;
•necessarily broad and non-specific, and
•related to matters of common concern or relevance to all members of the public, or a substantial section of the
public.
The guidelines went on further to state it is not necessity for a matter to be in the interest of the public as a
whole. It may be sufficient that the matter is in the interest of a section of the public bounded by geography or
another characteristic that depends on the particular situation.
In Wilson v Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the AAT by referece to the guidelines, listed
the public interest lists within the FOI Act. The factors that in particular relevant to this situation are:
(a)promotes the objects of the FOI Act, including to:
(i)inform the community of the Government’s operations, including, in particular, the policies, rules, guidelines,
practices and codes of conduct followed by the Government in its dealings with members of the community
(ii)reveal the reason for a government decision and any background or contextual information that informed the
decision
(iii)enhance the scrutiny of government decision making
The AAT went out further to explain the factors in favour of disclosure and the ways for an agency to balance
such operation [67]. The tribunal in conclusion found the ground of public interest against disclosure outweighs
the other because the disclosure of the document, although considered as an exempt file, would have very real
and serious negative consequences for the future operation of the respondent. The tribunal in this case focused
on the possible consequences of the release of documents that
Application in this case
The main difference between the Wilson case and the present FOI request is the possible consequences the
release of the document may have.
As stated above, the test for public interest under FOI is not exhaustive and as stated in Wilson v AIC, the
balance should be outweighed based on the particular facts of the matter at the time the decision is made.
Facts in the case
2
Document 18.1
This FOI request concerns outcome 2 February 2023 Senate Budget Estimate. As stated in the guidelines and
the FOI Act, a document would be considered as a matter of public interest if:
• it related to matters of common concern or relevance to all members of the public, or a substantial section
of the public.
I refer you to the title of this outcome: Support a prosperous and united Australia through effective coordination
and delivery of immigration and social cohesion policies and programs."
One of the main duties of the Department is to maintain social cohesion and effectively coordinate the delivery
of the Australian Immigration program. These documents have particular importance to the Australian
community because the Department’s work would have a profound impact on the Australian people, but also on
the national interest itself.
There are NO possible factors against such disclosure as the key briefs would not include:
…
• Personal information,
• To prejudice the fair treatment of individuals
• Prejudice the management of the agency
…
The above is a non-exhaustive list and the FOI Act has clearly stated the agency should ensure no irrelevant
factor will be considered. Which includes the possible access of the document that could result in
embarrassment to the Commonwealth etc.
Conclusion
I conclude that the charges should be waived and the documents should be released to me in accordance with
the statutory timeframe.
Yours sincerely,
s. 47F(1)
-----Original Message-----
3
Document 18.1
OFFICIAL
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 23/02/01635
File Number: FA23/02/01635
Dear s. 47F(1)
I refer to your request to access documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act), which the Department of Home Affairs
(the Department) received on 25 February 2023.
As provided under section 29 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the
FOI Act) and the Freedom of Information (Charges) Regulations 1982 (the
Regulations), I have determined that payment is required for this request
to be processed.
Preliminary assessment of charges
4
Document 18.1
I have assessed the work the Department would need to do to process your
request, taking into account the time that would be spent by the relevant
business areas in searching for and retrieving documents and assessing the
documents for release. I have calculated the charge as follows:
Search and retrieval: (1 hour @ $15 per hour) = $15.00
Decision making: (9 hours 39 minutes @ $20 per hour) = $193.00
(no charges are applied for the first five hours of decision-making)
Total: $208.00
(charge has been rounded down to the nearest whole dollar amount)
Next steps
Within 30 days of this email you must:
5
Document 18.1
• pay the charge or optional deposit indicated in the attached
invoice for your request to proceed, and/or
• write to the Department if you believe the charge has been wrongly
assessed, should be reduced or not imposed, or
• withdraw your request.
Your request will not be processed until you take one of these actions.
Your request will be withdrawn if you do not take action with 30 days.
Option 1: Pay the charge or an optional deposit
You can either pay the full amount now, or a deposit of $52.00.
You will receive a final notice of charges once the Department has made
its decision on your access request. No documents will be released to you
until you have paid any outstanding charges.
6
Document 18.1
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the
statutory time limit, we will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or
should be waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly
calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you
financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public
interest, or in the interest of a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other
7
Document 18.1
relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting
evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your
response to make a decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will
notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge or a deposit.
If the Department agrees to reduce or waive the charge, and the final
charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue you
with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to
[1][Department of Home Affairs request email] or reply to this email stating that you wish to
withdraw the request.
8
Document 18.1
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges
will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by Thursday, 13
April 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe your
request will be deemed withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No
charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at
[2]https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
9
Document 18.1
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: [3]We consider
your Freedom of Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides
information about charging at: [4]What charges may apply? - Home
(oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact [5][Department of Home Affairs request email] if you have any questions about
this notice.
Yours sincerely,
[electronically signed]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position number: 60025562
10
Document 18.1
Authorised FOI Officer
Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs
E: [6][Department of Home Affairs request email]
[7]cid:image001.png@01D8B643.CCD9CEC0
OFFICIAL
Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by
the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received
this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and
attachments immediately. This email, including attachments, may contain
confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information
by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited.
11
Document 18.1
The Department of Home Affairs and ABF respect your privacy and have
obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this
email.
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
2. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
3. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/access-and-accountability/freedom-of-information/access-to-
information/we-consider-your-foi-request
4. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/how-to-make-an-foi-request/what-charges-may-apply
5. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
6. mailto:[Department of Home Affairs request email]
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
s. 47F(1)
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make
will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/officers
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your
organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
12
Document 18.2
11 May 2023
s. 47F(1)
BY EMAIL: s. 47F(1)
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 23/02/01635
File Number:
FA 23/02/01635
Dear s. 47F(1)
Freedom of Information (FOI) request – Notice of charge decision under section 29(8) of
FOI Act fol owing applicant contention that charge be reduced or not imposed
On 25 February 2023, the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) received a request for
access to documents under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).
On 14 March 2023, the Department wrote to you to advise you that it has made a preliminary
assessment that you were liable to pay a charge for the processing of this FOI request. On 13
April 2023, you requested the Department waive or reduce the charge.
The purpose of this letter is to provide the decision of the Department in response to your request
for a waiver or reduction of charges.
1
Scope of request
You have requested access to the fol owing:
I am requesting the fol owing documents.
1. Key Briefs relating to Outcome 2 of Senate Estimates February 2023 2. Key Briefs
relating to Outcome 3 of Senate Estimates February 2023.
In response to the Practical Refusal Notice dated 8 March 2023, you re-scoped the scope
as fol ows:
Decision: I am seeking to revise my request to the fol owing:
The key briefs relating to outcome 2 of the February Senate Estimate hearing, outcome 2
refers to: "Support a prosperous and united Australia through effective coordination and
delivery of immigration and social cohesion policies and programs."
6 Chan Street Belconnen ACT 2617
PO Box 25 Belconnen ACT 2616 Telephone: 02 6264 1111 www.homeaf airs.gov.au
Document 18.2
Please note the Outcome 2 key briefs for October Senate estimates hearing was
released to the applicant on 30 January 2023 (File number FA 22/11/00795)
2
Preliminary notice of charges
On 14 March 2023, the Department wrote to you to advise you that it had made a preliminary
assessment that you were liable to pay a charge of $208.00 for the processing of this FOI request.
3
Request for waiver/reduction of charges
On 13 April 2023 you requested a waiver or reduction of the charges on the fol owing grounds:
public interest (section 29(5)(b) of the FOI Act).
Your reasons for requesting a waiver were as fol ows:
I refer to FOI request FA 23/02/01635 which was made on 25 February 2023. The
Department contacted me on 14 March 2023 with an invoice for this FOI request.
Please note due to formatting issues, the correct AGLC4 citation could not be added and
the document has included the case citation within the text for the relevant authorities.
I contest the charges are incorrect as the access to the documents is in the general
public’s interest or in the interest of a substantial section of the public. Section 29(1)(f)(i )
of the FOI Act 1982 (Cth) gives the power to contest such charges imposed by the
agency or the Minister.
Documents Requested:
“The key briefs relating to outcome 2 of the February Senate Estimate hearing, outcome
2 refers to: "Support a prosperous and united Australia through effective coordination and
delivery of immigration and social cohesion policies and programs."
Public Interest Tests
As outlined in the assessment notice provided by the Department on 14 March 2023, one
of the grounds I could contest the charges imposed on this FOI request is the documents
released is in general public’s interest or in the interest of a substantial section of the
public.
One of the main ways to assess public interest is to refer to the Freedom of Information
Guidelines published by the Australian Information Commissioner (Wilson AM v Office of
the Australian Information Commissioner 2023) Paragraph 6.5 of the Guidelines set out
the general principles regarding what is in the public interest:
• something that is of serious concern or benefit to the public, not merely of individual
interest;
•not something of interest to the public, but in the interest of the public;
•not a static concept, where it lies in a particular matter wil often depend on a balancing
of interests;
•necessarily broad and non-specific, and
- 2 –
Document 18.2
•related to matters of common concern or relevance to al members of the public, or a
substantial section of the public.
The guidelines went on further to state it is not necessity for a matter to be in the interest
of the public as a whole. It may be sufficient that the matter is in the interest of a section
of the public bounded by geography or another characteristic that depends on the
particular situation.
In Wilson v Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the AAT by referece to the
guidelines, listed the public interest lists within the FOI Act. The factors that in particular
relevant to this situation are:
(a)promotes the objects of the FOI Act, including to:
(i)inform the community of the Government’s operations, including, in particular, the
policies, rules, guidelines, practices and codes of conduct fol owed by the Government in
its dealings with members of the community
(i )reveal the reason for a government decision and any background or contextual
information that informed the decision
(i i)enhance the scrutiny of government decision making
The AAT went out further to explain the factors in favour of disclosure and the ways for
an agency to balance such operation [67]. The tribunal in conclusion found the ground of
public interest against disclosure outweighs the other because the disclosure of the
document, although considered as an exempt file, would have very real and serious
negative consequences for the future operation of the respondent. The tribunal in this
case focused on the possible consequences of the release of documents that
Application in this case
The main difference between the Wilson case and the present FOI request is the possible
consequences the release of the document may have.
As stated above, the test for public interest under FOI is not exhaustive and as stated in
Wilson v AIC, the balance should be outweighed based on the particular facts of the
matter at the time the decision is made.
Facts in the case
This FOI request concerns outcome 2 February 2023 Senate Budget Estimate. As stated
in the guidelines and the FOI Act, a document would be considered as a matter of public
interest if:
• it related to matters of common concern or relevance to al members of the public, or a
substantial section of the public.
I refer you to the title of this outcome: Support a prosperous and united Australia thr ough
effective coordination and delivery of immigration and social cohesion policies and
programs."
One of the main duties of the Department is to maintain social cohesion and effectively
coordinate the delivery of the Australian Immigration program. These documents have
particular importance to the Australian community because the Department’s work would
- 3 –
Document 18.2
have a profound impact on the Australian people, but also on the national interest itself.
There are NO possible factors against such disclosure as the key briefs would not
include:
…
• Personal information,
• To prejudice the fair treatment of individuals
• Prejudice the management of the agency
…
The above is a non-exhaustive list and the FOI Act has clearly stated the agency should
ensure no irrelevant factor wil be considered. Which includes the possible access of the
document that could result in embarrassment to the Commonwealth etc.
Conclusion
I conclude that the charges should be waived and the documents should be released to
me in accordance with the statutory timeframe.
4
Authority to make decision
I am an officer authorised under section 23 of the FOI Act to make decisions in respect of
requests to access or to amend or annotate records.
5
Relevant material
I have considered the fol owing information:
the arguments you have put forward in your request for waiver dated 13 April 2023
the FOI Act
Guidelines published by the Office of the Information Commissioner under section
93A of the FOI Act (the FOI Guidelines).
6
Decision on waiver or reduction of charges
I have reviewed the information you provided in requesting a waiver or reduction in the charges.
Under section 29(4) of the FOI Act, the Department has decided to:
not reduce the charges, and affirm its original assessment of the charges to be
imposed.
Fol owing the Department’s decision, the amount you are liable to pay remains $208.00.
7
Reasons for decision
In reaching my decision, I have considered the fol owing:
Whether payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause financial hardship to the
applicant or a person on whose behalf the application was made.
Whether giving access to the document in question is in the general public interest
or in the interest of a substantial section of the public.
- 4 –
Document 18.2
Whether disclosure of a document would advance the objects of the Act, for example
by promoting better informed decision making, or increasing scrutiny of or oversight
into the operations of the Department.
Financial hardship
I have determined that the payment of the charge, or part of it, would not
cause financial hardship
to the applicant. In forming that view, I have taken the fol owing into consideration:
Applicant’s claims of financial hardship
You have not sought review of the charges on the grounds of financial hardship.
The public interest
I have determined that the disclosure of the documents is not
in the general public interest or in
the interest of a substantial section of the public. In forming that view, I have taken the fol owing
into consideration:
Applicant’s claims that disclosure is in the public interest
You have not provided evidence in support of your claim that disclosure of the documents would
be in the public interest.
o Information relates to a decision made by the Department, and disclosure wil
better inform the public on the basis for the decision.
Department’s assessment of claims that disclosure is in the public interest
Section 29(5)(b) of the FOI Act requires the Department to consider whether the giving of access
to a document or documents is in the general public interest or in the interest of a substantial
section of the public. As provided in paragraph 4.107 of the FOI Guidelines, an assessment of
the public interest may require consideration of both the content of the documents requested and
the context in which their public release would occur. Matters to be considered include whether
the information in the documents is already publicly available, the nature and currency of the
topic of public interest to which the documents relate, and the way in which the public may benefit
from the release of the documents.
I consider that the fol owing factors indicate that disclosure is not in the public interest:
o The matters referred to in the documents are primarily of interest to the applicant. They
are not of broader public interest or of interest to a substantial section of the public.
o The disclosure of the information in the documents would not increase public
understanding of a decision made by the Department.
Part 4 of the of the OAIC guidelines with specific reference to the fol owing has also been taken
into consideration in arriving at this decision.
4.107An applicant relying on s 29(5)(b) should identify or specify the ‘general public interest’ or
the ‘substantial section of the public’ that wil benefit from this disclosure (s 29(1)(f)(i )). This
may require consideration of both the content of the documents requested and the context in
which their public release would occur.
- 5 –
Document 18.2
For these reasons, I have decided to not reduce the charges, and affirm the Department's original
assessment of the charges to be imposed. The amount you are liable to pay remains $208.00.
Legislation
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562. If you
are unable to access the legislation through this website, please contact our office for a copy.
8
How to pay the charge
You may pay by using the online payment facility for credit/debit cards; automated telephone
payment system and BPay. You may also pay the charge by cheque or money order.
Electronic funds transfer/credit card payment
If you wish to pay the charges using a credit card, the online payment facility, telephone payment
system or BPay, please refer to the tax invoice attached which wil include ful details of how the
payment can be made.
The deposit can be paid by cheque, money order or credit card. Cheques and money orders
should be made payable to "Col ector of Public Monies DIBP" and sent to:
Freedom of Information Section
Department of Home Affairs
PO Box 25
BELCONNEN ACT 2616
9
Time in which to respond
Under the Act you have 30 days from the date of this notice to provide the Department with a
response to my decision and either agree to pay the charges or seek an internal review of my
decision. Your ful review rights are set out in the next section, headed ‘Review Rights’.
Therefore, you must provide the Department with a written response as to how you wish to
proceed by close of business
Saturday, 10 June 2023. However, as this date fal s on a non-
working day, section 36(2) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 provides that the latest date you
may respond is close of business the next working day, which is
12 June 2023.
10 Your Review Rights
Review by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
You may apply directly to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for a
review of this decision. You must apply in writing within 60 days of this notice. For further
information about review rights and how to submit a request for a review to the OAIC, please see
https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/reviews-and-complaints/information-
commissioner-review/.
- 6 –
Document 18.2
11 Making a Complaint
You may complain to the Australian Information Commissioner about action taken by the
Department in relation to your request.
Your enquiries to the Australian Information Commissioner can be directed to:
Phone 1300 363 992 (local cal charge)
Email xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
There is no particular form required to make a complaint to the Australian Information
Commissioner. The request should be in writing and should set out the grounds on which it is
considered that the action taken in relation to the request should be investigated and identify the
Department of Home Affairs as the relevant agency.
12 Contacting the FOI Section
Should you wish to discuss this decision, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at
xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx.
Yours sincerely
Electronical y signed
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Case Officer Position Number: 60156398
Freedom of Information Section
FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs
E: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
- 7 –
Document 18.3
From:
FOI
To:
s. 47F(1)
Subject:
FOI Request FA 23/0/01635 Refused - Expiry of Response Period [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Tuesday, 13 June 2023 11:38:00 AM
OFFICIAL
13 June 2023
s. 47F(1)
BY EMAIL: s. 47F(1)
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 23/02/01635
File Number: FA23/02/01635
Dear s. 47F(1)
I refer to your email dated 25 February 2023 in which you request access to documents held by
the Department of Home Affairs (Department) under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the
FOI Act).
You have requested access to:
1. Key Briefs relating to Outcome 2 of Senate Estimates February 2023 2. Key Briefs
relating to Outcome 3 of Senate Estimates February 2023.
On 11 May 2023, the Department notified you of the decision to refuse your request to waive
the charge of $208.
In particular, Department notified you that, within 30 days of receipt of that letter, you must
either:
· agree to pay the charge; or
· seek a review of the waiver decision
The thirty (30) day period has now expired and the Department does not appear to have heard
from you in response to that notice. As such, in accordance with section 29 of the FOI Act, the
Department considers that your request has been refused.
If you have any enquiries concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me on
xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx.
[Signed Electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - position 60097486
Freedom of Information
1
Document 18.3
Department of Home Affairs
OFFICIAL
2
Document 19
You can either pay the full amount now, or a deposit of
$20.00.
You will receive a final notice of charges once the Department has made its decision on
your access request. No documents will be released to you until you have paid any
outstanding charges.
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time
limit, we will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be
waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated,
or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the
interest of a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant
matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to
make a decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges
decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge or a deposit. If the
Department agrees to reduce or waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less
than the amount you have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to
this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Friday, 14 April 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be
deemed withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom
2
Document 19
of Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about
charging at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position Number: 60100057
Authorised Decision Maker
Department of Home Affairs
E:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
3
Document 20
at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - position number 60097486
FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch
Data and Economics Analysis Centre| Executive Group
Department of Home Affairs
OFFICIAL
3
Document 21
at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - position number 60097486
FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch
Data and Economics Analysis Centre| Executive Group
Department of Home Affairs
OFFICIAL
3
Document 22
From:
FOI
To:
s. 47F(1)
Cc:
FOI
Subject:
FOI Request: FA 23/02/00175 - Notice of Charge - s. 47F(1) [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Friday, 31 March 2023 10:54:32 AM
Attachments:
s. 47F(1)
invoice - FA 23-02-00175.pdf
OFFICIAL
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 23/02/00175
File Number: FA23/02/00175
Dear s. 47F(1)
I refer to your request to access documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act), which
the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) received on 2 February 2023.
As provided under section 29 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) and the Freedom of
Information (Charges) Regulations 1982 (the Regulations), I have determined that payment is required for this
request to be processed.
Preliminary assessment of charges
I have assessed the work the Department would need to do to process your request, taking into account the time
that would be spent by the relevant business areas in searching for and retrieving documents and assessing the
documents for release. I have calculated the charge as follows:
Search and retrieval: (6 hours@ $15 per hour) = $90.00
Decision making: (9.85 hours @ $20 per hour) = $97.00
(no charges are applied for the first five hours of decision-making)
Total: $187.00
(charge has been rounded down to the nearest whole dollar amount)
Next steps
Within 30 days of this email you must:
• pay the charge indicated in the attached invoice for your request to proceed, and/or
• write to the Department if you believe the charge has been wrongly assessed, should be reduced or not
imposed, or
• withdraw your request.
Your request will not be processed until you take one of these actions. Your request will be withdrawn if you do
not take action with 30 days.
Option 1: Pay the charge
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time limit, we will refund your
payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
1
Document 22
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a substantial
section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a decision to
reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or waive the
charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx<mailto:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> or
reply to this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by Monday, 1 May 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe your request will be deemed withdrawn under
section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of Information request
(homeaffairs.gov.au)<https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/access-and-accountability/freedom-of-
information/access-to-information/we-consider-your-foi-request>
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at: What
charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)<https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/how-to-make-an-
foi-request/what-charges-may-apply>
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx<mailto:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> if you have any questions about this
notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Decision Maker | Position No. 60156395
Freedom of Information Section
FOI & Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au<http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/>
E: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx<mailto:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
OFFICIAL
2
Document 23
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a
substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a
decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or
waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue
you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email
stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Wednesday, 3 May 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be deemed withdrawn
under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of
Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at:
What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position No. 60165359
Authorised FOI Officer - Freedom of Information
FOI and Records Management Branch | Legal Group
Department of Home Affairs | www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Email xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
2
Document 24
at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - position number 60097486
FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch
Data and Economics Analysis Centre| Executive Group
Department of Home Affairs
OFFICIAL
3
Document 25
at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - position number 60097486
FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch
Data and Economics Analysis Centre| Executive Group
Department of Home Affairs
OFFICIAL
3
Document 26
Option 1: Pay the charge
If you choose to pay the charge, you are deemed to have accepted the Department’s decision to
impose the charge.
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time limit, we
will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be waived or
reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of
a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a
decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to this email
stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Monday, 15 May 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be deemed
withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of
Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging
2
Document 26
at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii) - position number 60097486
FOI Officer | Freedom of Information Section
FOI and Records Management Branch
Data and Economics Analysis Centre| Executive Group
Department of Home Affairs
OFFICIAL
3
Document 27
From:
s. 47F(1)
To:
FOI
Subject:
Re: FOI Request FA 23-03-00666- Preliminary notice of charge [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Monday, 17 April 2023 4:57:39 PM
Attachments:
image0.png
Hi,
I have paid for the charge as requested. Proof of payment is attached to this email.
I look forward to the FOI request being actioned.
Kind regards
s. 47F(1)
[image0.png]
Sent from my iPhone
On 17 Apr 2023, at 16:44, FOI <xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> wrote:
OFFICIAL
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 23/03/00666
File Number: FA 23/03/00666
Dear s. 47F(1)
I refer to your request to access documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act), which
the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) received on 10 March 2023.
As provided under section 29 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) and the Freedom of
Information (Charges) Regulations 1982 (the Regulations), I have determined that payment is required for this
request to be processed.
Preliminary assessment of charges
I have assessed the work the Department would need to do to process your request, taking into account the time
that would be spent by the relevant business areas in producing documents from the Department’s computer
systems under section 17 of the FOI Act and assessing the documents for release. I have calculated the charge
as follows:
Search and retrieval: (1 hours 30 minutes @ $15 per hour) = $22.50
Decision making: No charge
(no charges are applied for the first five hours of decision-making)
Total: $22.50
(charge has been rounded down to the nearest whole dollar amount)
Next steps
Within 30 days of this email you must:
1
Document 27
• pay the charge indicated in the attached invoice for your request to proceed, and/or
• write to the Department if you believe the charge has been wrongly assessed, should be reduced or not
imposed, or
• withdraw your request.
Your request will not be processed until you take one of these actions. Your request will be withdrawn if you do
not take action with 30 days.
Option 1: Pay the charge
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time limit, we will refund your
payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated, or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the interest of a substantial
section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to make a decision to
reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees to reduce or waive the
charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx<mailto:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> or
reply to this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by Wednesday, 17 May 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe your request will be deemed withdrawn under
section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom of Information request
(homeaffairs.gov.au)<https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/access-and-accountability/freedom-of-
information/access-to-information/we-consider-your-foi-request>
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about charging at: What
2
Document 27
charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)<https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/how-to-make-an-
foi-request/what-charges-may-apply>
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx<mailto:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> if you have any questions about this
notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
Kind Regards,
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position Number: 60100057
Authorised Decision Maker
Department of Home Affairs
E:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx<mailto:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
<image001.jpg>
OFFICIAL
Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by the individual or entity to whom it is
addressed. If you have received this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and
attachments immediately. This email, including attachments, may contain confidential, sensitive, legally
privileged and/or copyright information.
Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the
intended recipient is prohibited. The Department of Home Affairs and ABF respect your privacy and have
obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this email.
s. 47F(1) - INV 1198264195.pdf>
3
Document 28
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time
limit, we will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be
waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated,
or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the
interest of a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant
matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to
make a decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges
decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees
to reduce or waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you
have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to
this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Monday, 22 May 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be
deemed withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom
of Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about
charging at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
2
Document 28
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position Number: 60100057
Authorised Decision Maker
Department of Home Affairs
E:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
3
Document 29
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time
limit, we will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be
waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated,
or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the
interest of a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant
matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to
make a decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges
decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge. If the Department agrees
to reduce or waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less than the amount you
have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to
this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Monday, 5 June 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be
deemed withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom
of Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about
charging at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
2
Document 29
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position Number: 60100057
Authorised Decision Maker
Department of Home Affairs
E:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
3
Document 30
You will receive a final notice of charges once the Department has made its decision on
your access request. No documents will be released to you until you have paid any
outstanding charges.
If the Department does not make a decision on your request within the statutory time
limit, we will refund your payment.
Details of how to pay are contained in the attached invoice.
Option 2: Write to the Department to contend charges are incorrect or should be
waived or reduced
You can contest the charge on the grounds that the charge was not properly calculated,
or:
• that payment of the charge, or part of it, would cause you financial hardship
• that giving access to the documents is in the general public interest, or in the
interest of a substantial section of the public.
This is not an exhaustive list and the Department may consider any other relevant
matters.
Please set out your reasons as clearly as possible and provide supporting evidence.
The Department has a statutory timeframe of 30 days from the date of your response to
make a decision to reduce or not impose a charge. We will notify you of our charges
decision in writing.
You may still dispute the charge if you have paid the charge or a deposit. If the
Department agrees to reduce or waive the charge, and the final charge amount is less
than the amount you have paid, we will issue you with a refund.
Option 3: Withdraw your request
To withdraw your request, please send an email to xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx or reply to
this email stating that you wish to withdraw the request.
If you withdraw your request, we will close your request and no charges will be incurred.
Timeframe for your response
You must respond to this notice within 30 days, which is by
Monday, 3 July 2023.
If you do not provide a written response within this timeframe
your request will be
deemed withdrawn under section 29(2) of the Act. No charges will be incurred.
Legislation and further information
A copy of the FOI Act is available at
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562
Information about how we calculate charges can be seen at: We consider your Freedom
of Information request (homeaffairs.gov.au)
2
Document 30
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner also provides information about
charging at: What charges may apply? - Home (oaic.gov.au)
Contact
Please contact xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx if you have any questions about this notice.
Yours sincerely
[signed electronically]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position Number: 60100057
Authorised Decision Maker
Department of Home Affairs
E:xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
3
