Directions from the Minister in relation to FOI requests
Ben Fairless made this Freedom of Information request to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
This request has been closed to new correspondence from the public body. Contact us if you think it ought be re-opened.
Dear Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
I request, under the Freedom of Information Act, documents (including, but not limited to, emails, letters or other notes to which the department has access) which reference requests, decisions or opinions by the current minister of the Department on how the department should handle Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
I also request that the charges associated with this request be waived on public interest grounds, due to the importance of FOI (and requests, decisions or opinions by the relevant Minister in relation to how the department manages FOI requests) has in keeping the Government to account.
Yours faithfully,
Ben Fairless
Our Ref: 1402-F769
Dear Mr Fairless,
Re: Freedom of Information (FOI) Request
Thank you for your email dated 22 February in which you seek access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 to:
'Documents (including, but not limited to, emails, letters or other notes to which the department has access) which reference requests, decisions or opinions by the current minister of the Department on how the department should handle Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.'
Searches are now being undertaken in relevant areas of the Department for documents relevant to your request. I will contact you again once the searches have been completed.
Timeframe for receiving your decision:
We received your request on 22 February and the 30 day statutory period for processing your request commenced from the day after that date. You should therefore expect a decision from us by 25 March. The period of 30 days may be extended in certain circumstances. We will advise you if there is any extension of time.
Scope of request:
If it emerges that the scope of your request is unclear or is too large for processing, the Department will contact you to discuss re-scoping the request.
Charges:
Please note that the Department issues charges for processing FOI requests. We will advise you of these charges when we are in a position to estimate the resources required to process your request.
Timing of release:
As the subject matter of your request will require DFAT to upload any documents released to you to the Department’s FOI Disclosure Log, I take this opportunity to advise you that the Department’s policy is to upload released documents within one business day of your receipt of the documents.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me on (02) 6261 3470, by return email.
Please note a copy of this email has been sent to Ms Indra McCormick, Director, Freedom of Information and Privacy Law Section.
Yours sincerely,
Ada Cheung
Executive Officer
Freedom of Information and Privacy Law Section
Corporate Law Branch
Legal Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Tel: +61 2 6261 3470
Fax: +61 2 6261 2144
Dear Mr Fairless,
Please find attached the outcome letter regarding your FOI request.
Yours sincerely,
Ada Cheung
Executive Officer
Freedom of Information and Privacy Law Section
Corporate Law Branch
Legal Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Tel: +61 2 6261 3470
Fax: +61 2 6261 2144