OFFICIAL
FOI Reference: LEX 11568
 
Dear Tyler 
 
We are writing to you to seek your agreement to providing the department
with an extension of 30 calendar days to process your FOI request in
accordance with section 15AA of the FOI Act. This would mean that a
decision would then be due to you by 11 November. 
 
Background 
The area in the department with responsibility for Africa, also has
responsibility for the Middle East. Officers that would normally be
responsible for responding to FOI requests are currently fully engaged on
responding to developments in the region, and as a result the processing
of FOI requests that require their involvement are delayed.
 
While this extension request is for 30 days, I hope to have a response to
you as soon as possible. The reason for requesting 30 days, it to give the
greatest level of flexibility possible to officers currently involved in
crisis response.
 
We have also had some difficulty in completing searches, given the age of
some of the documents, this additional time will enable the department to
finalise its processes and provide you with an outcome.  
 
Please be assured that we will continue to process your request as quickly
as possible and will provide an outcome to you as soon as it is
available.  
 
Timeframe 
 
We would be grateful if you could please reply to our request by COB 10
October 2024.  
 
If we do not hear from you, we may apply to the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner for an extension to the statutory timeframe. 
 
Should you have any questions, please to contact us by reply email. 
 
Kind regards
Daniel 

show quoted sections

OFFICIAL
FOI Reference: LEX 11568
 
Dear Tyler,
 
The department is soon to finalise a decision in this matter.
 
Initial searches have identified documents relevant to South Sudan, but
have been unable to locate files relevant to the establishment of
diplomatic relations with Kosovo or Serbia.
 
In order to assist you, we would be grateful if you would amend the scope
of this request to exclude documents relevant to Kosovo and Serbia, and
submit a fresh request regarding those countries.
 
The department will conduct additional searches of our historical files,
with the intention of identifying documents relevant to Kosovo and Serbia.
 
This would involve amending your request to read:
 
        Cop[ies] of formal diplomatic or other statements or notes, which
relate to Australia's recognition and establishment of diplomatic
relations, that were exchanged between the government of Australia and:
- South Sudan (around 2011)
 
If you do not wish to agree to this approach, the department will apply
for a section 15AB extension from the Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner to extend the time to make a decision, on the basis of
conclusively searching physical files held by the department’s Historical
Records Section. While FOI Applicants do not have the authority to extend
the time to make a decision under section 15AB we would be grateful for an
indication if you would support this approach?
 
An amendment to the scope of this request is preferrable as we will be
able to provide you with the documents relevant to South Sudan by the
current date for a decision (11 November 2024). An extension under
section 15AB if granted by OAIC, would delay the release of those
documents, as the department is legislatively unable make decisions on
individual parts of requests.
 
Kind Regards
Daniel
 

show quoted sections

OFFICIAL

FOI Request: LEX 11568 

Dear Tyler,

Please find attached a letter notifying you of the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade’s decision on your FOI request, together with the
documents released to you. 

Kind regards   

Daniel

show quoted sections