Documents Relating to the Sharing of DVA Client Information
Dear FOI Officer,
I am making this request for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth).
I seek access to any and all documents, records, data, and supporting material held by [Name of Agency] concerning the sharing of personal information originating from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) over the last ten years. This includes any data transfers from or to the DVA, whether they were one-off exchanges or ongoing, systematic transfers of DVA client information, including personal, medical, financial, or service-related details concerning veterans or their dependents.
I am interested in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of what DVA client information [Authority name] has received or accessed and for what purposes. Specifically, I request:
All records of data sharing arrangements between DVA and [Authority name], including but not limited to memoranda of understanding, service-level agreements, emails, letters, meeting minutes, file transfer logs, internal reports, and instructions that outline what data was shared, when it was shared, and the format or system used for the transfer.
Any policies, procedures, guidelines, or frameworks that govern how [Authority name] requests, obtains, stores, handles, or uses DVA client information. This includes documents that detail the criteria for approving access to such data, any consent or authorization processes, security controls, and retention or destruction policies.
Copies of any ethics committee approvals, privacy impact assessments, internal review board decisions, or other documents that reflect deliberations or authorizations for obtaining DVA client information. This includes records that show the agency considered the ethical, legal, or privacy implications of receiving or using DVA client data.
Documents that outline the intended uses or practical applications of the DVA client data, such as project proposals, business cases, internal strategy papers, or briefings that explain why [Authority name] sought access to this information, how it was intended to be integrated into the agency’s operations, and any expected outcomes or benefits.
A representative sample (in a suitably de-identified or redacted form) of the data or data fields received, so long as providing this sample does not breach any exemption under the FOI Act. The purpose is to understand the nature and granularity of the information shared, without disclosing identifiable personal details.
If the only data [Authority name] received pertains solely to data linked to the Centrelink Confirmation eServices (CCeS) arrangements as described at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/cen..., and there were no other forms of DVA data shared, then no CCeS-related data needs to be provided under this request.
I emphasize that I am not authorizing the transfer of this FOI request to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or any other agency. If [Authority name] holds the requested information, it should provide it directly. If there are parts of this request that [Name of Agency] does not understand or believes are not held, I invite you to contact me to clarify or refine the scope under section 24AB of the FOI Act, rather than initiating a transfer. However, I do not consent to the transfer of this request to another entity. The FOI Act places the onus on agencies to process requests for documents they hold, and I expect [Authority name] to meet its responsibilities in this regard.
I note that the statutory timeframe for processing FOI requests is 30 days from the date of receipt. I do not consent to any extension of time due to internal reduced activity periods, holiday stand-down periods, or other internal operational issues. If [Authority name] considers that it cannot meet the 30-day timeframe, it may seek an extension from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner as provided under section 15AB of the FOI Act. I request to be notified if such an application is made.
If you consider any part of this request too broad or complex, please contact me promptly to discuss refining its scope. I remain willing to consider adjustments that will assist efficient processing, provided that they occur within the statutory timeframe and do not undermine the substance of what I am seeking.
I believe that disclosure of these documents is in the public interest, as it promotes transparency and accountability in how government agencies access and use sensitive personal information about veterans. Should you consider charges applicable, I request that you exercise your discretion to reduce or waive them, given the importance of the matter and its alignment with the principles of open government and public accountability.
I look forward to receiving your acknowledgment and decision within the statutory timeframe. Please contact me at the details below if you require further clarification.
Yours sincerely,
Nosey
OFFICIAL
Dear NoseyRosey
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (the department) has
received your Freedom of Information (FOI) request for access to:
…any and all documents, records, data, and supporting material held by
[Name of Agency] concerning the sharing of personal information
originating from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) over the last
ten years. This includes any data transfers from or to the DVA, whether
they were one-off exchanges or ongoing, systematic transfers of DVA client
information, including personal, medical, financial, or service-related
details concerning veterans or their dependents.
I am interested in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of what DVA
client information [Authority name] has received or accessed and for what
purposes. Specifically, I request:
All records of data sharing arrangements between DVA and [Authority name],
including but not limited to memoranda of understanding, service-level
agreements, emails, letters, meeting minutes, file transfer logs, internal
reports, and instructions that outline what data was shared, when it was
shared, and the format or system used for the transfer.
Any policies, procedures, guidelines, or frameworks that govern how
[Authority name] requests, obtains, stores, handles, or uses DVA client
information. This includes documents that detail the criteria for
approving access to such data, any consent or authorization processes,
security controls, and retention or destruction policies.
Copies of any ethics committee approvals, privacy impact assessments,
internal review board decisions, or other documents that reflect
deliberations or authorizations for obtaining DVA client information. This
includes records that show the agency considered the ethical, legal, or
privacy implications of receiving or using DVA client data.
Documents that outline the intended uses or practical applications of the
DVA client data, such as project proposals, business cases, internal
strategy papers, or briefings that explain why [Authority name] sought
access to this information, how it was intended to be integrated into the
agency’s operations, and any expected outcomes or benefits.
A representative sample (in a suitably de-identified or redacted form) of
the data or data fields received, so long as providing this sample does
not breach any exemption under the FOI Act. The purpose is to understand
the nature and granularity of the information shared, without disclosing
identifiable personal details.
This email is to acknowledge receipt of your request.
Your reference is FOI 76309.
A decision is currently due to you by 13 January 2025. This due date may
be affected by the requirement to undertake consultation with third
parties or if it is determined that you are liable to pay a charge in
relation to your request. You will be notified by the department if this
happens.
If you have any questions, please contact the FOI team.
Kind regards
Freedom of Information Team
Chief Counsel & Integrity Division | Corporate & information Law Branch |
Information Law Team
Department of Industry, Science and Resources
[1][email address]
OFFICIAL
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
OFFICIAL
Dear NoseyRosey
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (the department) has
received your Freedom of Information (FOI) request for access to:
…any and all documents, records, data, and supporting material held by
[Name of Agency] concerning the sharing of personal information
originating from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) over the last
ten years. This includes any data transfers from or to the DVA, whether
they were one-off exchanges or ongoing, systematic transfers of DVA client
information, including personal, medical, financial, or service-related
details concerning veterans or their dependents.
I am interested in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of what DVA
client information [Authority name] has received or accessed and for what
purposes. Specifically, I request:
All records of data sharing arrangements between DVA and [Authority name],
including but not limited to memoranda of understanding, service-level
agreements, emails, letters, meeting minutes, file transfer logs, internal
reports, and instructions that outline what data was shared, when it was
shared, and the format or system used for the transfer.
Any policies, procedures, guidelines, or frameworks that govern how
[Authority name] requests, obtains, stores, handles, or uses DVA client
information. This includes documents that detail the criteria for
approving access to such data, any consent or authorization processes,
security controls, and retention or destruction policies.
Copies of any ethics committee approvals, privacy impact assessments,
internal review board decisions, or other documents that reflect
deliberations or authorizations for obtaining DVA client information. This
includes records that show the agency considered the ethical, legal, or
privacy implications of receiving or using DVA client data.
Documents that outline the intended uses or practical applications of the
DVA client data, such as project proposals, business cases, internal
strategy papers, or briefings that explain why [Authority name] sought
access to this information, how it was intended to be integrated into the
agency’s operations, and any expected outcomes or benefits.
A representative sample (in a suitably de-identified or redacted form) of
the data or data fields received, so long as providing this sample does
not breach any exemption under the FOI Act. The purpose is to understand
the nature and granularity of the information shared, without disclosing
identifiable personal details.
This email is to acknowledge receipt of your request.
Your reference is FOI 76309.
A decision is currently due to you by 13 January 2025. This due date may
be affected by the requirement to undertake consultation with third
parties or if it is determined that you are liable to pay a charge in
relation to your request. You will be notified by the department if this
happens.
If you have any questions, please contact the FOI team.
Kind regards
Freedom of Information Team
Chief Counsel & Integrity Division | Corporate & information Law Branch |
Information Law Team
Department of Industry, Science and Resources
[1][email address]
OFFICIAL
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
Dear FOI Officer,
I am writing to notify you that the Freedom of Information request I submitted to Geoscience Australia on 14 December 2024, under reference FOI 76309, is now a deemed decision under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). This status has arisen due to your failure to provide a decision by the statutory deadline of 13 January 2025, as required under section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act. Consequently, I have referred this matter to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for review, and the referral has been lodged under reference number WEB-MR-25-00851.
The FOI Act requires agencies to process requests efficiently and within the statutory timeframes established by law. Section 3 of the FOI Act emphasizes the importance of facilitating public access to government-held information and promoting transparency and accountability in the operations of public agencies. The failure to meet the statutory deadline undermines the principles of openness and responsiveness embedded in the FOI framework. I further note that section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act mandates that a decision must be issued within 30 days of receipt of a valid request unless an approved extension has been granted, which has not occurred in this case.
Given the deemed decision, I now expect Geoscience Australia to comply fully with any directions issued by the OAIC to resolve this matter. The responsibility to process FOI requests lawfully and in good faith is fundamental to maintaining public trust and accountability in government processes. Should you require any further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Nosey
OFFICIAL
Dear Noseyrosey
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) administers Freedom of Information (FOI) requests on behalf of Geoscience Australia, as well as the relevant Minister's offices.
On 14 December 2024, you sent the department 2 identical emails requesting access to documents under the FOI Act (attached). Neither email specified that the request was intended for any another agency, or Ministers Office, other DISR. On that basis, it was reasonably understood by the department that it was a single request with duplicate email having been sent in error. As such, only one request was registered as having been received by the department and has been actioned accordingly. I attach a copy of both requests for your convenience.
As neither email identified that a request was intended to be made to Geoscience Australia (Geoscience), and the subject matter of your request does not relate to Geoscience's work, we do not consider that a request was made to Geoscience as your request did not meet the requirements of a valid request under section 15 of the FOI Act. If you are seeking access to documents held by Geoscience, we would be happy to consider a request. Please submit a new request to [email address] specifying that the request is intended for Geoscience.
In relation to your request to DISR of 14 December 2024, please refer to the department's correspondence of 3 January 2025.
Kind regards
Rebecca
A/g Senior Freedom of Information Officer Chief Counsel & Integrity Division | Corporate & information Law Branch | Information Law Team Department of Industry, Science and Resources [email address]
Acknowledgement of Country
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