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Dear Tyler

Thank you for your email, which was received by the Attorney-General’s Department (the department) Freedom of Information (FOI) section on 29 July 2024.

Unfortunately the department is not in possession of the documents you describe. In most circumstances, we suggest directing such requests to the Office of Parliamentary Counsel, who is responsible for the presentation of Bills for Royal Assent. More information about making information access requests to this agency can be found here: https://www.opc.gov.au/corporate-reporti...

However, we also note that in this case the documents you are requesting are over 20 years old, and have therefore entered what is called the ‘open access’ period under the Archives Act 1983 (Archives Act). Such documents are transferred to and administered by the National Archives and access is subsequently facilitated through the Archives Act. These documents are exempt from the FOI process under s 12(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

More information about how to access information via the Archives and FOI Acts can be found here: https://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/our-orga...

We suggest contacting the National Archives as the next step in your efforts to access these documents.

We hope this information assists you. Please note that if we do not hear back from you by Friday 2 August, we will consider your request to be closed and no further action will be taken.

Kind regards
Freedom of Information & Privacy
Attorney-General’s Department
Phone: (02) 6141 6666 | Email: [AGD request email]

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