Dear Ken,
I refer to your application to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
in which you seek access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act
1982 (FOI Act). You have requested the following documents:

* documentation pertaining to the current 8 month Census and how the
participants were chosen;
* documents pertaining to the geographical location's of the current 8
month Census; and
* the ABS' reasons for choosing the locations you are currently using.

Currently your request does not meet the requirements for a request made
under the FOI Act: there is insufficient information to enable the ABS to
identify the documents that you seek.

In particular, the ABS does not conduct any survey called the 8 month
Census and as a result cannot identify what survey your request pertains
to. You may be referring to:

* the Census, an ABS survey conducted every five years and last run in
2011;
* the Census Test, a set of voluntary surveys and last run in 2014;
* any one of a number of other surveys conducted by the ABS under the
Census and Statistics Act 1905, some of which involve ongoing
participation over a period of time.

For your request to meet the requirements of the FOI Act, you will need to
specify the exact survey that you seek documents regarding.

Regards,
Wolfgang Hertel
FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics
(P) (02) 6252 7203
(E) [1][email address]   (W)  [2]www.abs.gov.au
For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [3]Privacy Policy.

Freedom of Information request - Current 8 Month Census

Policy & legislation WDB Ken McLeod   14/01/2015 09:08 AM

Ken McLeod 14/01/2015 09:08 AM
[FOI #871 email]>
Send To FOI requests at ABS <[ABS request email]>,
cc

Subject Freedom of Information request - Current 8 Month Census

Protective Mark

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Document Id DCOO-9SQU2D

Dear Australian Bureau of Statistics,

Re: Freedom Of Information Request:

I make request for documentation pertaining to the current 8 month Census
and how the participants were chosen. I also make request for documents
pertaining to the geographical location's of the current 8 month Census
and your Departments reasons for choosing the locations you are currently
using.

I trust your office to honour my request

Yours faithfully,

Ken McLeod

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

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #871 email]

Is [ABS request email] the wrong address for Freedom of
Information requests to Australian Bureau of Statistics? If so, please
contact us using this form:
[4]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

Write your response as plain text. Only send PDF documents as a last
resort. Government guidelines make it clear that PDF is not an acceptable
format for you to use in the delivery of government information.
[5]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

The Freedom of Information Commissioner has recommended that agencies
accept requests from Right to Know as valid for the purpose of s.15(2)(c)
of the Freedom of Information Act. See
[6]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/assets/OA... for details of
the OAIC decision.

Disclaimer: This message and any reply that you make will be automatically
published on the internet. Our privacy and copyright policies:
[7]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

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.

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References

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3. http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D331011...
4. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
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6. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/assets/OA...
7. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

Dear Ken,

Thank you for providing clarification so promptly.

I am notifying you that your request is now valid and was received by the
ABS on the 14 January 2015. The 30 days statutory period for processing
your request commenced from that date. If this request will take longer
than 30 days to process, we will contact you to negotiate an extension of
time.

You will be notified of any further information the ABS may require to
process your request, as well as any charges in accordance with the
Freedom of Information (Fees and Charges) Regulations, should they apply,
in relation to your request as soon as practicable.

Regards,
Wolfgang Hertel
FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics
(P) (02) 6252 7203
(E) [1][email address]   (W)  [2]www.abs.gov.au
For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [3]Privacy Policy.

From:        Ken McLeod <[FOI #871 email]>
To:        Wolfgang Hertel <[email address]>,
Date:        14/01/2015 12:54 PM
Subject:        Re: Fw: Notification: Freedom of Information request -
Current 8 Month Census

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

Dear Wolfgang Hertel,

To clarify my request, specifically my request pertains to " The monthly
population survey", which which I understand is undertaken by your office,
is currently in operation for the next eight months, found here
[4]www.abs.gov.au/survey
I hope this clarifies my request.

Yours sincerely,

Ken McLeod

show quoted sections

Dear Ken,

In response to your FOI request received on 14 January 2014, please find
attached the formal correspondence from the ABS, including a notification
of charges and payment options.

Should you have any questions regarding this please feel free to contact
myself on the details below.

Regards,

Wolfgang Hertel

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 6252 7203

(E) [1][email address]   (W)  [2]www.abs.gov.au

For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [3]Privacy Policy.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.abs.gov.au/
3. http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D331011...

Dear Ken,

As per the rights of review detailed in the Notification of charges
document previously provided to you, please set out the grounds under
which you consider that the decision should be reviewed.

I note that in compliance with s29(5) of the Freedom of Information Act
1982 (the Act), the ABS takes into account the following matters when
determining whether to reduce or waive a charge:

* whether payment of the charge would cause considerable hardship to the
applicant; and
* whether providing access to this document is in the general public
interest or in the interest of a substantial section of the public.

As per s29(1)(f)(ii) of the Act, can you please provide your reasons for
contending the charge - noting holding a Commonwealth Senior's Health Card
may not be sufficient evidence to justify financial hardship.

With regards to any concerns you have around providing private/personal
information (including your card details), you may send information
directly to the ABS:
By post:                FOI Contact Officer
                        Policy and Legislation Section
                        Australian Bureau of Statistics
                        Locked Bag 10
                        Belconnen ACT 2617
By email:   [1]               [ABS request email]

Should you have any questions regarding this please feel free to contact
 myself on the details below.

Regards,

Wolfgang Hertel

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 6252 7203

(E) [2][email address]   (W)  [3]www.abs.gov.au

For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [4]Privacy Policy.

From:        Ken McLeod <[FOI #871 email]>
To:        Wolfgang Hertel <[email address]>,
Date:        28/01/2015 03:51 PM
Subject:        Re: Your FOI request - Notification of Charges

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

Dear Wolfgang Hertel,

Re:  Your most recent correspondence of 28/January 2015

As a current Commonwealth Pension Health Card recipient,
I make request for,  " The Fee Waiver " in relation to my FOI requests and
for any further requests I may make pertaining to "the documents."
Due to privacy I do not wish to post my card details at this website, but
I am quite happy to send those on to you privately if you so desire.

I trust your office to honour my request

Yours respectfully

Ken McLeod

show quoted sections

Dear Ken,

It would be appreciated if you could supply a copy of your Pension Card as
evidence to support your claim of a fee waiver. I would recommend that you
avoid disclosing this information via the Right to Know website by sending
the scanned image directly from your personal email account to
[1][ABS request email].

I note that the OAIC's FOI fact sheet 7:  Freedom of information – Charges
 clarifies that a copy of a pension card will merely support a claim that
the charge will cause you financial hardship, and that an agency is not
obliged to waive or reduce a charge even if it accepts your reason for
requesting that charges be waived.

If you have any concerns regarding disclosing your Pension Card or other
personal details to the ABS, please feel free to contact myself on the
details below to hear about how we will treat and protect your
information.

Regards,

Wolfgang Hertel

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 6252 7203

(E) [2][email address]   (W)  [3]www.abs.gov.au

For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [4]Privacy Policy.

From:        Ken McLeod <[FOI #871 email]>
To:        Wolfgang Hertel <[email address]>,
Date:        29/01/2015 05:32 PM
Subject:        Re: Your FOI request - Notification of Charges

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

Dear Wolfgang Hertel,

Re: your correspondence of 29/January 2015

I do not hold a current Commonwealth Seniors Card as you have written,
however, I do hold a current Commonwealth Pension Card as stated in my
previous correspondence.

According to the Office of the OAIC providing a copy of a Pension Card is
sufficient in requesting a fee waiver.

Would you like me to scan and send you a copy of my card for the fee
waiver application?

I trust your office to honour my request

Yours Respectfully
Ken McLeod

show quoted sections

Dear Ken,

The ABS is currently waiting on any further information you would like to
provide to support your claim that the charge will cause you financial
hardship. As per your correspondence of 29 January 2015, you indicated
that you would be willing to supply a copy of your Pension Card to support
your claim.

Can you please let me know if you intend to provide a copy of your Pension
Card to the ABS?

As per my correspondence to you on 30 January 2015, you may provide this
evidence to the ABS independent of the Right to Know website by sending
the scanned image directly from your personal email account to
[1][ABS request email].

Regards,

Wolfgang Hertel

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 6252 7203

(E) [2][email address]   (W)  [3]www.abs.gov.au

For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [4]Privacy Policy.

show quoted sections

Dear Ken,

This email is to confirm that as of 5 February 2015, the ABS has received
your evidence and request to waive fees.

In accordance with section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the
Act), the 30 day limit for processing your request will resume on either
the day on which the ABS makes a decision not to impose a charge, or, if
the ABS makes a decision to uphold or reduce the charge, the day that you
pay the charge (in full or the required deposit).

Consistent with section 29 of the Act, the ABS has 30 days to notify you
of the decision to uphold, reduce or waive the fees for processing this
FOI request.

Regards,

Wolfgang Hertel

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 6252 7203

(E) [1][email address]   (W)  [2]www.abs.gov.au

For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [3]Privacy Policy.

From:        Ken McLeod <[FOI #871 email]>
To:        Wolfgang Hertel <[email address]>,
Date:        09/02/2015 09:03 AM
Subject:        Re: Fw: Your FOI request - Notification of Charges

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

Dear Wolfgang Hertel,

I have just now sent you a copy of the relevant information pertaining to
a fee waiver.

Thank you for your time and attention

Respectfully

Ken McLeod

show quoted sections

Dear Ken,

In response to your request to waive fees regarding the FOI request
received by the ABS, please find attached the formal response from the ABS
and payment options.

For easier access, the freely available information detailed in the
document can be obtained through the following links:

ABS Surveys Charter, 2010 (ABS cat. no. 1008.0):
[1]http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/...
Information Paper: Labour Force Survey Sample Design, May 2013 (ABS cat.
no. 6269.0): [2]http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/...
Labour Statistics: Concepts, Sources and Methods, 2013 (ABS cat. no.
6102.0.55.001):
Chapter 18:
[3]http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/...
Chapter 20:
[4]http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/...

Regards,

Wolfgang Hertel

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 6252 7203

(E) [5][email address]   (W)  [6]www.abs.gov.au

For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [7]Privacy Policy.

References

Visible links
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2. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/...
3. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/...
4. http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/...
5. mailto:[email address]
6. http://www.abs.gov.au/
7. http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D331011...

Dear Ken,

The ABS' actions are compliant with the requirements of the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) and further guidelines from the OAIC. The
ABS' response to your request to waive fees cannot be considered a deemed
refusal.

Under the FOI Act, you are required, within 30 days of receiving this
response to pay the charge; pay a deposit with the remainder to be paid
prior to receipt of documentation; apply for an internal review of Lewis'
decision; or withdraw your request. If you fail to notify the ABS in a
manner mentioned above within 30 days of receipt of this notice it will be
taken that you have withdrawn your request.

Regarding your concerns around the ABS' interpretation of your response, I
note that you sought the 'geographical location's of the current 8 month
Census' . The potential personal information disclosure risks alluded to
in Lewis' response is a by-product of releasing such information and
therefore is in scope, under the FOI Act, for an agency to consider when
determining whether to release or refuse access to information.

Lastly, I note that as per the OIAC's fact sheet 7, 'an agency is not
obliged to waive or reduce a charge, even if it accepts your reason for
requesting it. In particular, an agency can decide to impose a charge even
though it would cause you financial hardship or disclosure would be in the
public interest.'

If you would like to discuss further, please feel free to contact me.

Regards,

Wolfgang Hertel

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 6252 7203

(E) [1][email address]   (W)  [2]www.abs.gov.au

For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [3]Privacy Policy.

From:        Ken McLeod <[FOI #871 email]>
To:        Wolfgang Hertel <[email address]>,
Date:        16/02/2015 03:58 PM
Subject:        Internal review of Freedom of Information request -
Current 8 Month Census

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

Dear Wolfgang Hertel,
Re: Your Response and the Response of your Fellow Officer Lewis Conn.

For the Record, my original request pertained to the "Current 8 Month
Census"  and sought information as to "how" participants were chosen. It
did not, seek any personal details or personal information as conjured by
your fellow Officer Lewis Conn.
Further as per the FOI Act and the OAICs fact sheet 7, I believe that I
have certainly provided your office with sufficient proof of my position,
and that costs pertaining to my request would cause financial hardship. I
do not accept your explanation nor do I accept this last minute
explanation which is way out of context with my request, given by your
fellow Officer Lewis Conn.
I consider your response a Deemed Refusal

Thank you for your time and attention

Respectfully

Ken McLeod

show quoted sections

Dear Ken,

I refer to your application for an internal review, made in accordance
with section 54 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

Your application was received by the ABS on 17 February 2015 and the 30
days statutory period for reviewing the decision commenced from that date.

Regards,

Wolfgang Hertel

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 6252 7883

(E) [1][email address]   (W)  [2]www.abs.gov.au

For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [3]Privacy Policy.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.abs.gov.au/
3. http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D331011...

[1]Inactive hide details for Emma Worthing------Your FOI request -
Response to your application for an internal review (Response tEmma
Worthing------Your FOI request - Response to your application for an
internal review (Response to: Your Application for Internal Review)

Your FOI request - Response to your application for an internal review
 (Response to: Your Application for Internal Review)

Policy & legislation WDB Emma Worthing   19/03/2015 04:34 PM

*
    Basics
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Categories Freedom of Information\Requests

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Editors Emma Worthing/Staff/ABS, Policy and Legislation, Wolfgang
Hertel/Staff/ABS

Readers Emma Worthing/Staff/ABS, Troy Stichbury/Staff/ABS

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Dear Ken,

In response to your application for an internal review dated 17 February
2015, please find attached the formal response from the ABS.

(See attached file: Response to request for internal review of
charges.pdf)

Should you have any questions regarding this please feel free to contact
myself on the details below.

Kind regards,

Emma Worthing

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 9268 4043

(E)  [2][email address]   (W)  [3]www.abs.gov.au

For information about how the ABS' handles personal information please see
our [4]Privacy Policy.

References

Visible links
2. mailto:[email address]
3. http://www.abs.gov.au/
4. http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D331011...

[1]Inactive hide details for Emma Worthing------Your FOI request - Request
for extension in accordance with s15AB of the FOI Act sEmma
Worthing------Your FOI request - Request for extension in accordance with
s15AB of the FOI Act submitted (Response to: Freedom of Informatio

Your FOI request - Request for extension in accordance with s15AB of the
FOI Act submitted  (Response to: Freedom of Information request - Current
8 Month Census)

Policy & legislation WDB Emma Worthing   14/01/2015 09:08 AM

*
    Basics
Protective Mark UNCLASSIFIED

Categories Freedom of Information\Requests

Visibility Limited Readers

Editors Emma Worthing/Staff/ABS, Policy and Legislation, Wolfgang
Hertel/Staff/ABS

Readers Emma Worthing/Staff/ABS, Troy Stichbury/Staff/ABS, David
Waymouth/Staff/ABS

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Dear Mr McLeod,

Re: FOI reference 201415/11

I am writing to inform you the ABS has requested an extension from the
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) in order to
comply with the statutory timeframe for processing your FOI request.

The ABS has requested this extension in accordance with s 15AB of the
Freedom of Information Act 1982. This provision allows agencies to apply
to the OAIC for an extension if the FOI request is complex or voluminous.

We will continue to process your FOI request in the interim; however, we
note that it will not be possible to provide a response to you by 7 April
2015.

Kind regards,

Emma.

Emma Worthing

FOI Contact Officer  |  Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 9268 4043

(E)  [2][email address]   (W)  [3]www.abs.gov.au

References

Visible links
2. mailto:[email address]
3. http://www.abs.gov.au/

Our reference: RQ15/00227

Agency reference: 201415/11

Mr Ken McLeod

Dear Mr McLeod

Extension of time request under s15AB

On 10 September 2014, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) requested
further time to make a decision on your FOI request of 14 January 2015.

This request was on the basis that the processing period is insufficient
to deal adequately with your request, because it is complex and/or
voluminous.

The Information Commissioner has decided to grant the ABS an extension of
time of 30 days for this request, to 4 May 2015. This decision has been
made under s 15AB(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the
Act).

Review rights

If you are unhappy with the way we have handled this matter, you may
complain to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. This service is free, and you can
contact the office on 1300 362 072 or visit [1]www.ombudsman.gov.au.

If you would like to discuss this matter you may contact me on 02 9284
9731 or via email [2][email address].

Yours sincerely

Timothy Fleming| Investigations Officer

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Level 3, 175 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000

GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 |www.oaic.gov.au

Phone:  +61 2 9284 9731

Fax: +61 2 9284 9666

Email: [email address]

Important update: The Freedom of Information Amendment (New Arrangements)
Bill 2014 which proposes to close the OAIC on 31 December 2014 was not
passed by the Australian Parliament before the end of the 2014 sitting
period. The OAIC will therefore remain operational until further notice.
For further information see the [3]OAIC website.

Protecting information rights – advancing information policy

[4]Description: Description: Description: Description: Description:
Description: Description: Description: Description:
cid:image001.jpg@01CD2C68.A6382250

show quoted sections

References

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2. mailto:[email address]
3. http://www.oaic.gov.au/news-and-events/s...

Dear Mr McLeod,

Attached to this email is ABS' official response to your Freedom of
Information request. Attached to this email are 6 PDF files.

1. ABS Response with Document
2. Attachment A
3. Document number 4 - Household Sample Redesign Manual
4. Document number 13 - 2011 Household Survey Sample Redesign Project
Board Meeting
5. Document number 14 - 2011 Household Survey Sample Redesign Project
Board Meeting
6. Document number 15 - Monthly Population Survey Program Board

(See attached file: ABS Reponse with Document.pdf)
(See attached file: Attachment A.pdf)

(See attached file: 4. 2011 Household Sample Redesign Manual.pdf)(See
attached file: 13. 2011 Household Survey Sample Redesign Project Board
Meeting.pdf)(See attached file: 14. 2011 Household Survey Sample Redesign
Project Board Meeting.pdf)(See attached file: 15. Monthly Population
Survey Program Board.pdf)

Please let me know if you encounter any issues with receiving these emails
and I will attempt to re-send you the files electronically.

If you wish to obtain a hard copy of the documents please provide your
mailing address and they will be sent to you.

Should you have any questions regarding this please feel free to contact
myself on the details below. 
 

Kind Regards,

Jen Dunn

FOI Officer
Audit, Policy and Parliamentary Liaison (Policy, Legislation & Cabinet
Liaison Team)  |  Office of the Statistician and External Engagement  |
 Australian Bureau of Statistics

(P) (02) 6252 7203
(E) [1][email address]  (W)  [2]www.abs.gov.au 

The [3]ABS Privacy Policy outlines how the ABS handles any personal
information that you provide to us.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.abs.gov.au/
3. http://www.abs.gov.au/privacy