Date: Wed, 12 May 2021 13:27:22 +1000
Subject: Re: Freedom of Information Request 2379 - Additional information and request to withdraw [SEC=OFFICIAL]
From: J M <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
To: FOI <
xxx@xxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Dear FOI,
I appreciate the detailed response, however - I will not withdraw my request at this point in time.
Yours sincerely,
J M
-----Original Message-----
Dear J M
I refer to your request of 5 May 2021 to the Department of Health
(department) seeking the following under the Freedom of Information Act
1982 (Cth) (FOI Act):
Figure 1: [1]
https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2020.44.30 - "Notified cases of
COVID-19 and associated deaths reported to the National Notifiable
Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) to 5 April 2020"
Figure 2: [2]
https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2021.45.2 - "Technical
supplement - COVID-19 Australia: Epidemiology reporting Last updated 9
April 2021
COVID-19 National Incident Room Surveillance Team "
Both of the above references to Department of Health Documents (Figure 1 &
2) contain the following paragraph located in "Appendix A: Frequently
asked questions":
"Due to the COVID-19 response, unfortunately, specific requests for NNDSS
data have been put on hold. We are currently looking into options to be
able to respond to data requests in the near future."
Given these documents are respectively dated 5th April 2020 & 9th April
2021, representing over a full calendar year - I am requesting under the
FOI act any documents, liasing, meeting minutes, draft
documents/presentations and anything further that may be considered
relevant to the above quoted paragraph - specifically relating to the
phrase: "...We are currently looking into options to be able to respond to
data requests in the near future." - that the department has produced in
the aforementioned timeframe (5th April 2020 - 9th April 2020).
Thank you for bringing this issue to the department’s attention. The
department apologises for the oversight and are in the process of updating
the frequently asked questions information on our website that relates to
the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemiology reports, Australia,
2020-2021.
National notification data on COVID-19 confirmed cases is collated in the
National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) based on
notifications made to state and territory health authorities under the
provisions of their relevant public health legislation. As the department
are custodians of these data, a request for the release of data from the
NNDSS requires agreement from states and territories via the Communicable
Diseases Network Australia. Depending on the sensitivity of the data
sought, and proposed use, ethics approval may also be required.
Whilst there was a pause in our ability to process requests for NNDSS data
in early 2020, including COVID data, all requests which have been received
throughout the pandemic have and will continue to be process in line with
CDNA policies and procedures. For information on how to apply to access
data from the NNDSS, please contact the NNDSS Data Requests inbox
([3][email address]). The relevant business area can then
provide you with further information about the process and the required
data request forms. Please note that the time it takes to process your
request may vary depending on the type(s) of data you request and the
necessary approval steps.
The department will ensure that the website, technical appendix and future
reports are updated to reflect this.
We hope this information has been helpful. On that basis, could you please
confirm in writing by COB Thursday 13 May 2021 if you agree to withdraw
your FOI request.
Thank you
Kind regards
FOI Officer
FOI Unit – FOI and Legislation Section
[4]cid:image003.png@01D51610.1D98D220
Legal & Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group
Legal Advice & Legislation Branch
Australian Government Department of Health
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [5][email address]
GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
If you receive this email in error, please delete it and contact the
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References
Visible links
1.
https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2020.44.30
2.
https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2021.45.2
3. mailto:[email address]
5. mailto:[email address]
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