Good afternoon,

Acknowledgement of receipt of Freedom of Information request

I refer to your request received by the Department of Health and Aged Care
(the department) for access to documents under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (FOI Act). You have requested access to:

 

All approach to market documents and the department's procurement
evaluation and value for money assessment relating to CN4085822
[1]https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
which shows a contract awarded to Accenture for $289,360,500.00

CN ID: CN4085822

Agency: Department of Health and Aged Care Publish

Date: 5-Aug-2024

Category: Computer services

Contract Period: 2-Jul-2024 to 30-Jun-2026

Contract Value (AUD): $289,360,500.00

Description: ICT Transformation Delivery

Procurement Method: Open tender

The reference number for your request is FOI 25-0019 LD. Please ensure
that you quote this number in future correspondence with us concerning
this request.

Timeframes

Your request was received on 12 September 2024. The statutory timeframe
for processing your request is 30 calendar days and you should expect to
be notified of a decision from the department on or before 12 October
2024. The period of 30 days may be extended if the department needs to
consult third parties or for other reasons. We will advise you if this
happens.

Other information

The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing
access to the documents.  If this request attracts a charge you will be
notified in writing.

Unless you advise otherwise:

·         any draft and duplicate documents will be excluded from the
scope of your request, and

·         any public service employee names below Senior Executive Service
level and direct telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the
scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.

Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log
[2]www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-disclosure-log, subject to certain
exceptions. (For example, personal information will not be published where
this would be unreasonable.)

You can contact the FOI team via email at [3][email address] or by phone
on 02 6289 1666, should you have any questions.

 

Kind regards,

 

FOI Case Officer – Freedom of Information Section

Legal Advice and Legislation Branch

Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [4][email address]

PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges First Nations peoples
as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their
continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to
them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: Health Anon [5][FOI #12050 email]
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 5:04 PM
To: FOI [6][email address]
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Accenture ICT Transformation
Delivery

 

REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our
organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Department of Health,

 

I request access to all approach to market documents and the department's
procurement evaluation and value for money assessment relating to
CN4085822
[7]https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
which shows a contract awarded to Accenture for $289,360,500.00

 

CN ID:CN4085822

Agency:Department of Health and Aged Care Publish Date:5-Aug-2024
Category:Computer services Contract Period:2-Jul-2024 to 30-Jun-2026
Contract Value (AUD):$289,360,500.00 Description:ICT Transformation
Delivery Procurement Method:Open tender

 

Yours faithfully,

Anonymous

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[8][FOI #12050 email]

 

Is [9][Health request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Health? If so, please contact us using this
form:

[10]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

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:

[11]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

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.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. 
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."

References

Visible links
1. https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
2. http://www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-d...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[email address]
5. mailto:[FOI #12050 email]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
8. mailto:[FOI #12050 email]
9. mailto:[Health request email]
10. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
11. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

Good afternoon,

 

I refer to your request 25-0019 LD seeking access to information as below:

 

All approach to market documents and the department's procurement
evaluation and value for money assessment relating to CN4085822
[1]https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
which shows a contract awarded to Accenture for $289,360,500.00

CN ID: CN4085822

Agency: Department of Health and Aged Care Publish

Date: 5-Aug-2024

Category: Computer services

Contract Period: 2-Jul-2024 to 30-Jun-2026

Contract Value (AUD): $289,360,500.00

Description: ICT Transformation Delivery

Procurement Method: Open tender

 

The statutory due date for your request is currently 12 October 2024.

 

Request for extension of time

 

Section 15AA of the FOI Act permits the department to extend the statutory
processing timeframe, with your agreement, for a period of up to 30
calendar days.

 

The department has identified documents within the scope of your request.
To ensure the department takes all relevant steps to finalise its decision
and for the decision maker to make a well-balanced decision on access to
documents identified, the department is seeking your agreement to an
extension of 14 calendar days. 

 

If you agree to this extension, the statutory due date will then be 26
October 2024. The department will, however, continue to process your
request as quickly as possible.

 

It would assist if you could please advise by COB Thursday 10 October 2024
or earlier  if you agree to this extension of time. If we do not hear from
you by this date or if you do not agree to the extension, the department
may consider seeking an extension of time from the Office of the
Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) under section 15AB of the FOI
Act.

 

We thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation as we continue to
process your request.

 

If you have any questions regarding any of the matters discussed in this
email, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at
[2][email address].

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

Case Officer – Freedom of Information Section

Legal Advice and Legislation

Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group

Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care

T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [3][email address]

PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges the traditional owners
of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to
elders both past and present

 

From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 1:20 PM
To: Health Anon <[FOI #12050 email]>
Subject: TRIM: Freedom of Information Request 25-0019 LD – Acknowledgement
of Receipt [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Good afternoon,

Acknowledgement of receipt of Freedom of Information request

I refer to your request received by the Department of Health and Aged Care
(the department) for access to documents under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (FOI Act). You have requested access to:

 

All approach to market documents and the department's procurement
evaluation and value for money assessment relating to CN4085822
[4]https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
which shows a contract awarded to Accenture for $289,360,500.00

CN ID: CN4085822

Agency: Department of Health and Aged Care Publish

Date: 5-Aug-2024

Category: Computer services

Contract Period: 2-Jul-2024 to 30-Jun-2026

Contract Value (AUD): $289,360,500.00

Description: ICT Transformation Delivery

Procurement Method: Open tender

The reference number for your request is FOI 25-0019 LD. Please ensure
that you quote this number in future correspondence with us concerning
this request.

Timeframes

Your request was received on 12 September 2024. The statutory timeframe
for processing your request is 30 calendar days and you should expect to
be notified of a decision from the department on or before 12 October
2024. The period of 30 days may be extended if the department needs to
consult third parties or for other reasons. We will advise you if this
happens.

Other information

The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing
access to the documents.  If this request attracts a charge you will be
notified in writing.

Unless you advise otherwise:

·         any draft and duplicate documents will be excluded from the
scope of your request, and

·         any public service employee names below Senior Executive Service
level and direct telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the
scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.

Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log
[5]www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-disclosure-log, subject to certain
exceptions. (For example, personal information will not be published where
this would be unreasonable.)

You can contact the FOI team via email at [6][email address] or by phone
on 02 6289 1666, should you have any questions.

 

Kind regards,

 

FOI Case Officer – Freedom of Information Section

Legal Advice and Legislation Branch

Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [7][email address]

PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges First Nations peoples
as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their
continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to
them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: Health Anon [8][FOI #12050 email]
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 5:04 PM
To: FOI [9][email address]
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Accenture ICT Transformation
Delivery

 

REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our
organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Department of Health,

 

I request access to all approach to market documents and the department's
procurement evaluation and value for money assessment relating to
CN4085822
[10]https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
which shows a contract awarded to Accenture for $289,360,500.00

 

CN ID:CN4085822

Agency:Department of Health and Aged Care Publish Date:5-Aug-2024
Category:Computer services Contract Period:2-Jul-2024 to 30-Jun-2026
Contract Value (AUD):$289,360,500.00 Description:ICT Transformation
Delivery Procurement Method:Open tender

 

Yours faithfully,

Anonymous

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[11][FOI #12050 email]

 

Is [12][Health request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Health? If so, please contact us using this
form:

[13]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

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:

[14]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

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.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. 
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."

References

Visible links
1. https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
5. http://www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-d...
6. mailto:[email address]
7. mailto:[email address]
8. mailto:[FOI #12050 email]
9. mailto:[email address]
10. https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
11. mailto:[FOI #12050 email]
12. mailto:[Health request email]
13. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
14. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

Good afternoon,

 

I refer to your request below.

 

Notice of Third Party Consultation

 

Document have been identified in the scope of your request which contains
information relating to third parties. It has been determined that it
would be appropriate to consult with the affected third parties under
section 27 of the FOI Act prior to a decision on access to this document
being made.

 

Section 15(6) of the FOI Act allows the timeframe for processing your
request to be extended by 30 days to facilitate this consultation.
Accordingly, the statutory due date for your request is now 11 November
2024.  

 

The department will continue processing your request and provide you with
a decision on access as soon we are able to do so.

 

Relevant provisions

 

The FOI Act, including the provisions referred to in this email, can be
accessed from the Federal Register of Legislation website:
[1]www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562.

 

If you require clarification of any of the matters discussed in this email
you should contact the department’s FOI Section by email at
[2][email address].

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

Case Officer – Freedom of Information Section

Legal Advice and Legislation

Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group

Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care

T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [3][email address]

PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges the traditional owners
of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to
elders both past and present

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Health Anon <[FOI #12050 email]>
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 5:04 PM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: TRIM: Freedom of Information request - Accenture ICT
Transformation Delivery

 

REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our
organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Department of Health,

 

I request access to all approach to market documents and the department's
procurement evaluation and value for money assessment relating to
CN4085822
[4]https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
which shows a contract awarded to Accenture for $289,360,500.00

 

CN ID:CN4085822

Agency:Department of Health and Aged Care Publish Date:5-Aug-2024
Category:Computer services Contract Period:2-Jul-2024 to 30-Jun-2026
Contract Value (AUD):$289,360,500.00 Description:ICT Transformation
Delivery Procurement Method:Open tender

 

Yours faithfully,

Anonymous

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[5][FOI #12050 email]

 

Is [6][Health request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Health? If so, please contact us using this
form:

[7]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

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:

[8]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

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.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. 
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."

References

Visible links
1. http://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C20...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
5. mailto:[FOI #12050 email]
6. mailto:[Health request email]
7. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
8. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

Good afternoon,

 

I refer to your request FOI 25-0019 LD received by the Department of
Health and Aged Care (the department) for access to documents under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

           

Request for extension of time

 

The statutory due date for your request is currently 11 November 2024.

 

Section 15AA of the FOI Act permits the department to extend the statutory
processing timeframe, with your agreement, for a period of up to 30
calendar days.

 

The department is close to finalising your request. To ensure the
department takes all relevant steps to finalise its decision, and for the
decision maker to make a well-balanced decision on access to any such
documents identified, the department is seeking your agreement to an
extension of 7 calendar days.

 

If you agree to this extension, the statutory due date will then be 18
November 2024. The department will, however, continue to process your
request as quickly as possible.

 

If we do not hear from you or if you do not agree to the extension, the
department may consider seeking an extension of time from the Office of
the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) under section 15AB of the
FOI Act.

 

We seek your response to the above matters by COB Thursday 7 November 2024
or earlier.

 

If you have any questions regarding any of the matters discussed in this
email, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at
[1][email address].

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

Case Officer – Freedom of Information Section

Legal Advice and Legislation

Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group

Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care

T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]

PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges the traditional owners
of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to
elders both past and present

 

From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 17 September 2024 1:20 PM
To: Health Anon <[FOI #12050 email]>
Subject: TRIM: Freedom of Information Request 25-0019 LD – Acknowledgement
of Receipt [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Good afternoon,

Acknowledgement of receipt of Freedom of Information request

I refer to your request received by the Department of Health and Aged Care
(the department) for access to documents under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (FOI Act). You have requested access to:

 

All approach to market documents and the department's procurement
evaluation and value for money assessment relating to CN4085822
[3]https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
which shows a contract awarded to Accenture for $289,360,500.00

CN ID: CN4085822

Agency: Department of Health and Aged Care Publish

Date: 5-Aug-2024

Category: Computer services

Contract Period: 2-Jul-2024 to 30-Jun-2026

Contract Value (AUD): $289,360,500.00

Description: ICT Transformation Delivery

Procurement Method: Open tender

The reference number for your request is FOI 25-0019 LD. Please ensure
that you quote this number in future correspondence with us concerning
this request.

Timeframes

Your request was received on 12 September 2024. The statutory timeframe
for processing your request is 30 calendar days and you should expect to
be notified of a decision from the department on or before 12 October
2024. The period of 30 days may be extended if the department needs to
consult third parties or for other reasons. We will advise you if this
happens.

Other information

The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing
access to the documents.  If this request attracts a charge you will be
notified in writing.

Unless you advise otherwise:

·         any draft and duplicate documents will be excluded from the
scope of your request, and

·         any public service employee names below Senior Executive Service
level and direct telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the
scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.

Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log
[4]www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-disclosure-log, subject to certain
exceptions. (For example, personal information will not be published where
this would be unreasonable.)

You can contact the FOI team via email at [5][email address] or by phone
on 02 6289 1666, should you have any questions.

 

Kind regards,

 

FOI Case Officer – Freedom of Information Section

Legal Advice and Legislation Branch

Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [6][email address]

PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges First Nations peoples
as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their
continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to
them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----Original Message-----
From: Health Anon [7][FOI #12050 email]
Sent: Thursday, September 12, 2024 5:04 PM
To: FOI [8][email address]
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Accenture ICT Transformation
Delivery

 

REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our
organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Department of Health,

 

I request access to all approach to market documents and the department's
procurement evaluation and value for money assessment relating to
CN4085822
[9]https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
which shows a contract awarded to Accenture for $289,360,500.00

 

CN ID:CN4085822

Agency:Department of Health and Aged Care Publish Date:5-Aug-2024
Category:Computer services Contract Period:2-Jul-2024 to 30-Jun-2026
Contract Value (AUD):$289,360,500.00 Description:ICT Transformation
Delivery Procurement Method:Open tender

 

Yours faithfully,

Anonymous

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[10][FOI #12050 email]

 

Is [11][Health request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Health? If so, please contact us using this
form:

[12]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

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:

[13]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

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.

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

 

"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. 
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
4. http://www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-d...
5. mailto:[email address]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. mailto:[FOI #12050 email]
8. mailto:[email address]
9. https://www.tenders.gov.au/Cn/Show/af64d...
10. mailto:[FOI #12050 email]
11. mailto:[Health request email]
12. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
13. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

Dear Health Anon

 

We refer to your FOI request received on 12 September 2024.

 

Please find attached a decision on access together with the documents for
release referred to in that decision.

 

If you have any queries in relation to this decision, please contact the
FOI Section on the details below.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Guy

Freedom of Information Section

Legal Advice and Legislation Branch

Legal and Assurance Division | Corporate Operations Group

Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care

T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [1][email address]

PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

 

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges the traditional
custodians of Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and
community. We pay our respects to elders past and present. 

 

If you receive this email in error, please delete it and contact the
sender immediately.

 

 

"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. 
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]

Good afternoon,

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION INTERNAL REVIEW REQUEST – NOTIFICATION OF RECEIPT

 

I am writing to notify you that the Department of Health and Aged Care
(department) has received your request for an Internal Review of a
decision on access made by the department on 8 November 2024 under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act).

 

The department has 30 calendar days after the date your request was
received to notify you of its decision on the internal review.

 

You can contact the FOI Section via email at [1][email address], should
you have any questions.

 

Kind regards,

 

FOI Case Officer – Freedom of Information Section

Legal Advice and Legislation Branch

Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care

T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]

PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges First Nations peoples
as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their
continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to
them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.

-----Original Message-----
From: Health Anon [3][FOI #12050 email]
Sent: Monday, 11 November 2024 11:49 PM
To: FOI [4][email address]
Subject: [SPAM] Internal review of Freedom of Information request -
Accenture ICT Transformation Delivery

 

REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our
organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Department of Health,

 

 

 

Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.

 

 

 

I am writing to request an internal review of Department of Health's
handling of my FOI request 'Accenture ICT Transformation Delivery'.

 

 

 

Scope of documents

 

 

 

I note my original request was for “All approach to market documents and
the department's procurement evaluation and value for money assessment”

 

 

 

I note that the Commonwealth Procurement Rules require a value for money
assessment to consider factors including stakeholder input, the scale and
scope of the business requirement, the relevant entity’s resourcing and
budget, obligations and opportunities under other existing arrangements,
relevant Commonwealth policies; and the market’s capacity to competitively
respond to a procurement.

 

 

 

Further, the guidelines to the CPR state officials responsible for a
procurement must be satisfied, after reasonable enquiries, that
procurements should encourage competition and be non-discriminatory; use
public resources in an efficient, effective, economical and ethical manner
that is not inconsistent with the policies of the Commonwealth; facilitate
accountable and transparent decision making; encourage appropriate
engagement with risk; and be commensurate with the scale and scope of the
business requirement.

 

 

 

When conducting a procurement, an official must consider the relevant
financial and non-financial costs and benefits of each submission
including, but not limited to the quality of the goods and services;
fitness for purpose of the proposal; potential supplier’s relevant
experience and performance history; flexibility of the proposal (including
innovation and adaptability over the lifecycle of the procurement);
environmental sustainability of the proposed goods and services (such as
energy efficiency, climate change impact, environmental impact,
circularity of the goods and services and use of recycled products); and
whole-of-life costs.

 

Whole-of-life costs could include the initial purchase price of the goods
and services; maintenance and operating costs; transition out costs;
licensing costs (when applicable); the cost of additional features
procured after the initial procurement; consumable costs; and
decommissioning, remediation and disposal costs (including waste
disposal).

 

The decision maker’s response indicates that the only information of
relevance to my request is a total of 24 pages from the “Commitment
Approval Minute” dated 26 June 2024 and a further 6 pages relating to the
original RFQ published on the digital marketplace January 2024.

 

 

 

Can you confirm that the Department has indeed included the full value for
money assessment as within scope of my request, and if not, why not?

 

 

 

Section 22 – deletion of irrelevant material

 

 

 

I request a review of the decision maker’s decision under this section for
the following reason

 

 

 

Section 22, part 3(b) requires that the grounds for the deletions be
provided.

 

 

 

The decision maker has not provided details as to the criteria used to
determine the remaining 236 pages of the committee approval minute are
irrelevant to my request.

 

 

 

I also find it difficult to believe there are no other documents that
relate to this procurement evaluation held by your department. Would you
please confirm why that is the case.

 

 

 

Section 47D - Financial or property interests of the Commonwealth

 

 

 

The decision maker argues that disclosing information about the approach
to market, procurement evaluation, and value for money assessment would
have a substantial adverse effect on the financial interests of the
Commonwealth, as it could compromise future competitive tendering
processes.

 

 

 

The argument that disclosing information related to a past procurement
process would harm future tendering processes is unconvincing, and I ask
you to reconsider its relevance.

 

 

 

The FOI Act emphasises transparency and accountability, as do the
commonwealth procurement rules, and disclosing past procurement
information, I suggest, would actually enhance competition and fairness in
future processes.

 

 

 

I note the commonwealth procurement rules state Relevant entities should
include relevant evaluation criteria in request documentation to enable
the proper identification, assessment and comparison of submissions on a
fair, common and appropriately transparent basis

 

 

 

Further, to justify withholding information under section 47D, you must
demonstrate a tangible and significant financial detriment that would
result from disclosure.

 

 

 

The decision letter does not provide specific evidence to support the
claim that disclosure would have a "substantial adverse effect." It relies
on general assumptions about potential harm to the competitive tendering
process.

 

 

 

I also note section 6.83 of the FOI guidelines state: An agency or
government cannot merely assert that its financial or property interests
would be adversely affected following disclosure.

 

 

 

The particulars of the predicted effect should be identified during the
decision-making process and should be supported by evidence. Where the
conditional exemption is relied on, the relevant particulars and reasons
should form part of the decision maker’s statement of reasons…. The effect
must bear on the actual financial or property interests of the
Commonwealth or an agency.

 

 

 

I ask you to reconsider this exemption for those reasons.

 

 

 

Section 47E - Documents affecting certain operations of agencies

 

 

 

The decision maker invokes sections 47E(b) and 47E(d) to withhold
information, arguing that disclosure would prejudice the attainment of
objectives of particular tests, examinations, or audits, and have a
substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of agency
operations.

 

 

 

The decision letter does not adequately explain how the release of
information would prejudice the attainment of objectives of tests,
examinations, or audits. It simply asserts that the information relates to
operational activities being conducted lawfully and would not reveal
inefficiencies.

 

 

 

To meet the threshold of section 47E, you should provide concrete examples
of how disclosure would harm the effectiveness of these processes.

 

 

 

Your reliance on the argument that disclosure would affect "proper and
efficient" operations is vague. If the department is functioning lawfully
and efficiently, transparency should not pose a threat.

 

 

 

The FOI Guidelines explicitly state that revealing unlawful activities or
inefficiencies does not justify applying the exemption. The decision maker
should articulate specific ways in which the disclosure would negatively
impact operations, going beyond a generalised statement about potential
harm.

 

 

 

You state, in your reasons for conditionally exempting information under
47E(b), would “ prejudice the attainment

 

of the objects of a tender evaluation conducted by the department, and
that the

 

prejudicial effect would change to the expected results. If this were to
occur, I am

 

satisfied that this would prevent the assessment panel from making robust
value for

 

money assessments on tender applications.”

 

 

 

Further you state “a precedent of disclosure of information relating to
assessments of

 

tenders would, or could reasonably be expected to, have a substantial
adverse effect

 

on the operations of the department, as it would discourage panel members
in future

 

procurement processes from making full and candid assessments. I consider
that it is

 

reasonably likely that such a precedent would encourage panel members to
address

 

their comments to audiences and with a purpose other than those intended.
I am

 

satisfied that such an outcome would undermine the effectiveness of
assessment

 

processes in the future. “

 

 

 

The FOI act and OAIC guidelines are explicit that “access to the document
could result in embarrassment to the Commonwealth Government, or cause a
loss of confidence in the Commonwealth Government” is an irrelevant
factor, and as such your objections under this part should be removed
entirely.

 

 

 

You also state that parts of the document marked ‘s47E(d)’ in the schedule
contain

 

“information, namely evaluation against specified criteria and risk
management

 

processes, the disclosure of which would, or could reasonably be expected
to, have a

 

substantial and an unreasonable effect on the department’s proper and
efficient

 

operations.”

 

 

 

You go on to state “The disclosure of procurement costing information used
by the department would

 

have an adverse effect on the department’s ability to negotiate and/or
manage future

 

procurements or orders to obtain best value for the department. Any
impediment to

 

the ability of the department to obtain value for money contracts for
services would

 

have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of
the

 

department’s operations.”

 

 

 

But you do not explain how disclosure of such costing information would
impede future procurements or the department's ability to obtain value for
money procurements.

 

 

 

You go on to state “The disclosure of risk management processes would, or
could reasonably be expected

 

to, impact and impede the efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s
methods of

 

managing potential risks to its operations. If this information were
disclosed, I am

 

satisfied that the measures put in place to mitigate those risks would
cease to be

 

effective. If this were to occur, the department would need to develop new
risk ratings

 

and mitigations, at significant financial and operational cost. Any such
result would

 

have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of
the department.”

 

 

 

The FOI Act emphasises the public's right to access government-held
information to promote transparency and accountability.

 

 

 

One of the key public interest factors favouring disclosure is promoting
"effective oversight of public expenditure" This suggests that
transparency in government operations, including risk management
processes, is crucial for public scrutiny and ensuring responsible use of
taxpayer funds.

 

 

 

If, as you state, risk management processes rely heavily on
non-disclosure, it could hinder public scrutiny and potentially obscure
mismanagement or ineffective use of resources, contradicting the
principles of transparency and accountability.

 

 

 

The OAIC guidelines state that an agency's operations might not be
substantially adversely affected if disclosure leads to process
improvements that enhance efficiency.

 

 

 

This implies that disclosure, even of sensitive information, can sometimes
be beneficial by prompting positive change and encouraging better
practices.

 

 

 

I ask you to reconsider your argument that non-disclosure of your risk
assessment and risk management could shield inefficiencies or problematic
practices from scrutiny. Transparency could lead to identification of
weaknesses and the development of more effective risk mitigation
strategies resulting in a windfall to the department and future
procurement processes.

 

 

 

Section 47G – Business information

 

 

 

I request you re-evaluate your conditional exemption under this section as
well.

 

 

 

Your argument rests on the premise that disclosing information about
unsuccessful submissions would damage the reputation of the organisations
involved. However, the FOI Act emphasises transparency in government
processes, including procurement.

 

 

 

Disclosing information about unsuccessful bids could actually enhance
accountability and provide valuable insights into the evaluation process.

 

I note the CPR now requires written feedback to unsuccessful tenderers so
that seems to suggest to me that the Commonwealth considers such
information to be supportive of the overarching objectives of the CPR.

 

 

 

You claim that disclosure would be detrimental to the profitability of
businesses. However, the letter does not offer concrete evidence or
specific examples to support this claim.

 

 

 

I suggest you need to demonstrate a direct and substantial link between
disclosure and financial harm to justify withholding the information.

 

 

 

You mention consultation with affected third parties and their concerns
about disclosure. While consultation is important, you should not
prioritise the interests of third parties over the public interest in
transparency.

 

 

 

The public has a right to know how government funds are being spent and
how decisions are made, even if it involves information about private
businesses.

 

 

 

Public interest test

 

 

 

Again I ask you to re-evaluate your public interest test decision

 

 

 

You state that the disclosure of conditionally exempt information would
“would not inform debate on a matter of public importance “ but I disagree
- I see the expenditure of 289 million dollars to be considered a matter
of public importance, and more transparency around how the department came
to award the contract would also inform the debate.

 

 

 

More specifically, the OAIC guidelines list “allow or assist inquiry into
possible deficiencies in the conduct or administration of an agency or
official” as one reason why disclosure may inform debate on a matter of
public importance.

 

 

 

I am glad you accept that disclosure of the conditionally exempt
information would promote effective oversight of public expenditure and
promote the objects of the FOI Act by providing the Australian community
with access to information held by the Australian Government - I agree
with that.

 

 

 

Finally, the OAIC guidelines require the statement of reasons must explain
both the relevance of the factors (some of which I dispute above) and the
relative weight given to them (which has not been provided at all).

 

 

 

Thank you for your consideration of these matters.

 

 

 

A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
[5]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/a...

 

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

Health Anon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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