Extension of time request under s 15AB

Thank you for your correspondence of 21 May 2014, in which you requested an extension of time for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (the DIBP) to process Mr Ben Fairless’ request, received 6 April 2014, under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the FOI Act).

You advised that the DIBP obtained agreement under s 15AA of the FOI Act for an extension of time from the applicant to 25 May 2014.

You have sought an extension on the basis that the current processing period is insufficient to deal adequately with Mr Fairless’ request, because it is complex.

Decision

As a delegate of the Information Commissioner, I am authorised to make decisions on requests for extensions of time under s 15AB of the FOI Act.

We have decided to grant the DIBP’s extension of time under s 15AB (2) of the FOI Act to close of business 24 June 2014. In coming to this decision we have considered factors including your advice that:

· The request is complex as it requires assessment of online content (including video and intranet) as well as documents.

· The DIBP has provided a timeline detailing how the additional time will be utilised.

We are satisfied with the DIBP’s proposal to manage this request.

By granting an extension of time it is anticipated that the DIBP will provide a well-reasoned and better managed decision.

A copy of this decision will be provided to Mr Fairless.

Contact

If you have any questions about this email, please contact me on (02) 6239 9121 or via email [email address]. In all correspondence please include reference number RQ14/01158.

Yours sincerely

Elizabeth Zatschler | Investigations Officer

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

4 National Circuit, BARTON ACT 2600

GPO Box 2999 CANBERRA ACT 2601 |www.oaic.gov.au

Phone: +61 2 6239 9121

Fax: +61 2 6239 9187

Email: [email address]

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