Thank you for your email.

You have contacted the Freedom of Information (FOI) team of the Department
of Social Services (the Department).

If your email relates to a Freedom of Information application made under
the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), the Department
will respond to you as soon as practicable.

Further information about FOI is available on our website at:
[1]https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...

This email address is for applications under the FOI Act only. The
Department is unable to respond to non-FOI related enquiries sent to this
email address. Any correspondence received that is not an information
access request will not be responded to or forwarded. Should you have a
query unrelated to FOI, please complete our [2]online feedback, enquiry or
compliment form on our website or direct your email to
[3][email address].  Alternatively you can contact the Department by
calling 1800 634 035.

With regards

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

Freedom of Information

Legal Services Branch

Department of Social Services
E: [4][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past
and present.

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

References

Visible links
1. https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...
2. https://www.dss.gov.au/contact/feedback-...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]

Dear Mr Smith,

Thank you for your email below.

The Department is unable to determine the precise scope of your request
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act).

Paragraph 15(2)(b) of the FOI Act requires a FOI request to “provide such
information concerning the document as is reasonably necessary to enable a
responsible officer of the agency, or the Minister, to identify it.”

Your request does not provide sufficient information to allow us to
identify the document(s) you are referring to. On this basis we consider
that it is not a valid FOI request. As it is not a valid FOI request, the
time for processing your request has not yet commenced.

Next steps

In accordance with paragraph 15(3)(b) of the FOI Act, we are required to
take reasonable steps to assist you to make a valid FOI request that,
amongst other things, allows us to identify the nature of the information
you are seeking, and we are happy to do so.

Accordingly, we would be grateful if you could provide further information
about what documents you are seeking from the Department.

You state you are seeking (we have added numbers for our reference):

1.       “information about the ending of the Cashless Debit Card program,
in the following areas:

Ceduna and surrounding regions, South Australia East Kimberley region,
Western Australia Goldfields region, Western Australia Bundaberg and
Hervey Bay region, Queensland”

2.       “reports or data, about:

a.       Changes in the incidence of alcohol related crimes in areas where
the cashless debit card was trialled.

b.       Changes in the incidence of alcohol related hospitalisations
and/or matters requiring medical attention in areas where the cashless
debit card was trialled.

c.       Changes in the incidence of alcohol consumption in areas where
the cashless debit card was trialled.”

To assist us in identifying the documents containing the information you
are seeking, we would be grateful if you could respond to the following:

 1. whether item 1 is contextual information to item 2, or if you are
seeking both items 1 and 2;
 2. if you are seeking item 1, kindly advise in more precise terms the
type of information you are seeking. Currently, the scope of item 1 is
extremely broad and unclear. 

To assist you with making a valid FOI request in a timely manner, it may
be easier to discuss your requirements over the telephone. If you provide
a contact number and a convenient time to call, a member of the
Departments FOI team we you to discuss.

If we do not hear from you, we will not make a decision or provide
documents in relation to your request as the request you have submitted is
not valid for the reasons outlined above.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss the
matter further.

DSS FOI Team

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

Freedom of Information section

Legal Services Group

Department of Social Services
E: [1][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past
and present. 

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

show quoted sections

Thank you for your email.

You have contacted the Freedom of Information (FOI) team of the Department
of Social Services (the Department).

If your email relates to a Freedom of Information application made under
the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), the Department
will respond to you as soon as practicable.

Further information about FOI is available on our website at:
[1]https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...

This email address is for applications under the FOI Act only. The
Department is unable to respond to non-FOI related enquiries sent to this
email address. Any correspondence received that is not an information
access request will not be responded to or forwarded. Should you have a
query unrelated to FOI, please complete our [2]online feedback, enquiry or
compliment form on our website or direct your email to
[3][email address].  Alternatively you can contact the Department by
calling 1800 634 035.

With regards

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

Freedom of Information

Legal Services Branch

Department of Social Services
E: [4][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past
and present.

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

References

Visible links
1. https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...
2. https://www.dss.gov.au/contact/feedback-...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]

Dear Mr Smith,

I refer to your correspondence received by the Department of Social
Services (the Department) on 6 December 2022, in which you requested
access under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act)
to:

1.        “information about the ending of the Cashless Debit Card
program, in the following areas:

Ceduna and surrounding regions, South Australia East Kimberley region,
Western Australia Goldfields region, Western Australia Bundaberg and
Hervey Bay region, Queensland”

2.       “reports or data, about:

a.       Changes in the incidence of alcohol related crimes in areas where
the cashless debit card was trialled.

b.       Changes in the incidence of alcohol related hospitalisations
and/or matters requiring medical attention in areas where the cashless
debit card was trialled.

c.       Changes in the incidence of alcohol consumption in areas where
the cashless debit card was trialled.”

On Wednesday, 7 December 2022, we advised you that the Department was
unable to determine the precise scope of your request. The Department also
requested that you advise whether item 1 is contextual information to item
2, or if you are seeking both items 1 and 2.

On Thursday, 8 December 2022, you confirmed that item 1 is contextual
information only. We consider your response provides sufficient
information to allow us to identify the document(s) you are referring to
and so we now consider this a valid FOI request.

Removal of personal information from the scope of your request

The Department is seeking your agreement to the removal of the email
addresses, signatures and mobile numbers of all DSS staff, and the removal
of the names of non-Senior Executive Service staff, which may be contained
within the documents identified in relation to your request.

Please respond to this email by Thursday, 15 December 2022 to advise
whether you agree that this information may be removed.

Decision due

The statutory period for processing your request is 30 days commencing
from the day after your request was received. In accordance with paragraph
15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, the decision on your request is due on Saturday,
7 January 2023.

If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, in
accordance with subsection 36(2) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901
(Cth), the timeframe will expire on the first day following which is none
of those days. Accordingly, the decision on your request is due on Monday,
9 January 2022.

Request for an extension

While the response to your request is due on 9 January 2023, the
Department’s Christmas shut down will take place from 23 December 2022 to
2 January 2023 (inclusive). During this time, FOI requests will not be
processed. Therefore, we request your consent for a 30 day extension of
time to respond to your application, in accordance with section 15AA of
the FOI Act. If you agree to this request the decision on your request
will be due on Monday, 6 February 2023. Please let us know also by 5:00pm
on Thursday, 15 December 2022.

There are other circumstances where the FOI Act allows for the processing
period to be extended or suspended. The circumstances in which the date
may be extended include:

·       30 days if your request is considered voluminous or complex
(section 15AB of the FOI Act); and

·       30 days if the Department is required to undertake a third party
consultation (sections 26A, 27 or 27A of the FOI Act).

If any of these additional extensions apply, the Department will notify
you.  

Additionally, there are occasions where the processing period of your FOI
application may be suspended. This may take place if:

·       A practical refusal consultation process is required (section 24AB
of the FOI Act); or

·       If a charges notice is issued for the processing of your FOI
application (section 29 of the FOI Act).

Should you have any queries about this matter, please do not hesitate to
contact the FOI team via email at [1][Department of Social Services request email].

Yours sincerely,

DSS FOI Team

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

Freedom of Information section

Legal Services Branch

Department of Social Services
E: [2][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past
and present. 

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

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
2. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]

Thank you for your email.

You have contacted the Freedom of Information (FOI) team of the Department
of Social Services (the Department).

If your email relates to a Freedom of Information application made under
the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), the Department
will respond to you as soon as practicable.

Further information about FOI is available on our website at:
[1]https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...

This email address is for applications under the FOI Act only. The
Department is unable to respond to non-FOI related enquiries sent to this
email address. Any correspondence received that is not an information
access request will not be responded to or forwarded. Should you have a
query unrelated to FOI, please complete our [2]online feedback, enquiry or
compliment form on our website or direct your email to
[3][email address].  Alternatively you can contact the Department by
calling 1800 634 035.

With regards

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

Freedom of Information

Legal Services Branch

Department of Social Services
E: [4][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past
and present.

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

References

Visible links
1. https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...
2. https://www.dss.gov.au/contact/feedback-...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]

Good Afternoon Oliver,

Thank you for your email below agreeing to remove all personal information
of staff. It is appreciated.

We note that you did not respond to our request for a 30-day extension of
time. We would be grateful for your response to that request, noting the
Department’s Christmas shutdown will take place from 23 December 2022 to 2
January 2023 (inclusive) and during this time, FOI requests will not be
processed.

Your agreement to additional time under section 15AA of the FOI Act will
enable the Department to process your request. As mentioned below, the
decision on your request would then be due on 6 February 2023. We will of
course provide the decision to you earlier if possible.

We would be grateful for your response to our request for an extension of
time by 3:00pm on Friday, 16 December 2022.  

If you do not agree, or respond to our request, the Department anticipates
seeking an extension of time from the Information Commissioner under
section 15AB of the FOI Act.

Kind Regards,

DSS FOI Team

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

Freedom of Information section

Legal Services Group

Department of Social Services
E: [1][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past
and present. 

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

show quoted sections

Thank you for your email.

You have contacted the Freedom of Information (FOI) team of the Department
of Social Services (the Department).

If your email relates to an FOI application made under the
Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), the Department
will respond to you as soon as practicable.

Please note the Department is subject to a shutdown period from 12:30pm on
Friday, 23 December 2022 to Monday, 2 January 2023 (inclusive).  During
this time, this mailbox will not be monitored. We appreciate your patience
as we attend to your email on our return. 

As the FOI team will not be able to process your FOI request during the
shutdown period, we anticipate seeking a short 15-day extension of time
from you under section 15AA of the FOI Act. We would be grateful if you
could respond to this email, indicating whether you agree to this
extension of time (if we have not already asked you). 

Further information about FOI is available on our website
at: [1]https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...

This email address is for applications under the FOI Act only. The
Department is unable to respond to non-FOI related enquiries sent to this
email address and accordingly, any correspondence received that is not FOI
related will not be responded to or forwarded. Should you have a query
unrelated to FOI, please complete our [2]online feedback, enquiry or
compliment form on our website or call 1800 634 035.

With regards

References

Visible links
1. https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...
2. https://www.dss.gov.au/contact/feedback-...

Thank you for your email.

You have contacted the Freedom of Information (FOI) team of the Department
of Social Services (the Department).

If your email relates to a Freedom of Information application made under
the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), the Department
will respond to you as soon as practicable.

Further information about FOI is available on our website at:
[1]https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...

This email address is for applications under the FOI Act only. The
Department is unable to respond to non-FOI related enquiries sent to this
email address. Any correspondence received that is not an information
access request will not be responded to or forwarded. Should you have a
query unrelated to FOI, please complete our [2]online feedback, enquiry or
compliment form on our website or direct your email to
[3][email address].  Alternatively you can contact the Department by
calling 1800 634 035.

With regards

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

Freedom of Information

Legal Services Branch

Department of Social Services
E: [4][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past
and present.

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

References

Visible links
1. https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...
2. https://www.dss.gov.au/contact/feedback-...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]

Dear Mr Smith,

Notification of third party consultation

We have successfully identified records in relation to your request for
information. Parts of those records contain the personal information of
third parties. As this information is of a personal nature, there is a
requirement for the Department to consult with the third parties under
section 27A of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) before the
decision maker can make a decision on the release of the documents. We are
still considering whether there is also a requirement to consult with
third parties under sections 26A and 27 of the FOI Act.

Subsection 15(6) of the FOI Act provides an additional 30 days to the
statutory time limit for undertaking consultations. Therefore, the
deadline for providing you with the decision on your request is now 6
March 2023.

I would be grateful if you would let us know if you will allow us to
disclose your identity as the applicant to the third parties for the
purpose of the consultation. Please respond by COB 3 February 2023.

Whilst you are under no obligation to reveal your identity as the
applicant and we will not disclose your identity without your consent, in
our experience, third parties will generally be more likely to object to
the release of their information if they do not know who the applicant is.

Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding while the Department
processes your request.

Should you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to reach
out to us at [1][email address].

Kind regards,

DSS FOI Team

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

Freedom of Information section

Legal Services Branch

Department of Social Services
E: [2][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past
and present. 

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

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]

Our reference: RQ23/00837

Agency reference: LEX 46123

Mr Oliver Smith

By email: [FOI #9664 email]

Cc: [Department of Social Services request email]

Extension of time under s 15AB

Dear Mr Smith

Please find attached an extension of time decision relating to your FOI
request with the Department of Social Services. A copy of this decision
has been provided to the Department today.

Kind regards

Noah Harris

[1][IMG]   Intake and Early Resolution Team

Freedom of Information Regulatory Group

Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner

GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001  |
 [2]oaic.gov.au

1300 363 992 [3][email address]
[4][IMG] | [5][IMG] | [6][IMG] |   [7]Subscribe to OAICnet newsletter

Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this
email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's
switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
time) and delete all copies of this transmission together with any
attachments.

References

Visible links
1. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
2. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
5. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
6. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
7. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...

Dear Mr Smith,

FOI LEX 46123 – Decision and Documents

Please find attached the decision and documents in response to your
Freedom of Information request submitted to the Department of Social
Services on 8 December 2023.

For your reference, we also attach a document providing information in
relation to your review rights.

Kind regards,

DSS FOI Team

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

Freedom of Information section

Legal Services Branch

Department of Social Services
E: [1][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and
to Elders both past and present. 

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

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]

Good afternoon Mr Smith,

We refer to our email yesterday providing you with the decision and
documents in response to your request. Unfortunately we inadvertently
indicated that the date of your request was 8 December 2023. We note that
in fact the date of your request was 8 December 2022.

We apologise sincerely for this error.

Kind Regards,

DSS FOI Team

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

Freedom of Information section

Legal Services Branch

Department of Social Services
E: [1][Department of Social Services request email]

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and
to Elders both past and present. 

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

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]