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Question Regarding Incoming Baggage Restrictions

Jose made this Freedom of Information request to Australian Border Force

This request has been closed to new correspondence from the public body. Contact us if you think it ought be re-opened.

We're waiting for Jose to read a recent response and update the status.

Dear Australian Border Force,

I saw the below post in Facebook (reg. ABF Incoming Baggage Restrictions). It was mentioned in the photo in that particular post that Indian Masalas (branded or non branded), Pulses, Lentils etc shall no longer be allowed by the ABF from 28th April.

https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaAlludu...

Please let me know if there is directive (or new rule) given to the immigration officers at border check points / airports to seize and bin all the spices / pulses/ lentils brought by the passengers in their check in bags. I checked the ABF website yesterday (on 15/05/2022) to see if there is any new ban on these items and it (spices / food etc) was still listed under “Declare it” category.

Yours faithfully,

Jose

FOI, Australian Border Force

** This is an automated response. Please do not reply to this email **

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

Your email has been received by the Department of Home Affairs Freedom of
Information (FOI) Section.

 

The FOI section only responds to valid FOI requests and other matters
relating to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).  Visit the
FOI Information on our Website for more information on what [1]information
can be accessed under the FOI Act 1982.

 

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A valid FOI request may be for:

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[3]https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering...

 

·       For visa and our requirements for entry to Australia
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Thank you

Information updated 11 January 2022

 

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FOI, Australian Border Force

OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy

In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 22/05/00728
File Number: OBJ2022/12182

Dear Jose

Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information Access request

I refer to your correspondence received on 16 May 2022 seeking access to documents held by the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).

Scope of request

You have requested access to the following:

I saw the below post in Facebook (reg. ABF Incoming Baggage Restrictions). It was mentioned in the photo in that particular post that Indian Masalas (branded or non branded), Pulses, Lentils etc shall no longer be allowed by the ABF from 28th April.

https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaAlludu...

Please let me know if there is directive (or new rule) given to the immigration officers at border check points / airports to seize and bin all the spices / pulses/ lentils brought by the passengers in their check in bags. I checked the ABF website yesterday (on 15/05/2022) to see if there is any new ban on these items and it (spices / food etc) was still listed under “Declare it” category.

Your request was received by the Department on 16 May 2022 and has been allocated FOI request number FA 22/05/00728.

Please include your FOI request number in all correspondence with the Freedom of Information Section.

Timeframe

The timeframe for processing a request is 30 days from the day we receive your request, as set out in the FOI Act.

Your review rights in relation to your request are available on the website of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner here.

Fees and Charges

Charges do not apply to requests from individuals seeking access to documents about themselves. However, a charge may apply to all other requests for access to documents.
Charges are based on the amount of time the Department spends on your request. Charges can range from $10 to over $1,000 depending on the complexity and scope of your request. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner reported that across the public service, the average charge notified was $335.50 in 2020-21.
If a charge applies, you will be issued with a Notice of Charge that explains the charge and your options.
Detailed information about FOI charges that may apply to your FOI request is available on the Department’s website.

We do not provide personal details of staff

The Department’s practice is to exclude the personal details of staff not in the Senior Executive Service (SES), as well as the direct contact details of SES staff, contained in documents that fall within scope of an FOI request. If you require personal details of non-SES officers, or direct contact details of SES staff, please inform us so the decision maker may consider your request. Otherwise we will take it that you agree to that information being excluded from the scope of your request. However names of staff that have previously been released in departmental correspondence may be disclosed.

We do not provide duplicated documents

If the FOI decision-maker deems a document to be a duplicate, they will not assess those pages as part of your FOI request. This means that if a there is a decision to release the document to you, you will receive only one copy, even if multiple copies of that document exist.

Released documents you request may be published to our website

Where documents are released to you in response to your request, the Department may be required to publish these documents on its website within 10 working days in accordance with section 11C of the FOI Act. Publication will not be required where the documents contain personal or business affairs information.

How to reduce or withdraw your request

Reducing the scope of your request can reduce the time and charges associated with processing your FOI request.

To reduce or withdraw your request, contact the FOI section at [ABF request email] and include your FOI request number.

Kind Regards,

Michael
Position number: 60097355
Authorised FOI Officer
FOI and Records Management Branch | Data Division
Strategy and National Resilience Group
Department Of Home Affairs
E: [ABF request email]

Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive

-----Original Message-----
From: Jose <[FOI #8908 email]>
Sent: Monday, 16 May 2022 2:10 PM
To: FOI <[ABF request email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Question Regarding Incoming Baggage Restrictions

Dear Australian Border Force,

I saw the below post in Facebook (reg. ABF Incoming Baggage Restrictions). It was mentioned in the photo in that particular post that Indian Masalas (branded or non branded), Pulses, Lentils etc shall no longer be allowed by the ABF from 28th April.

https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaAlludu...

Please let me know if there is directive (or new rule) given to the immigration officers at border check points / airports to seize and bin all the spices / pulses/ lentils brought by the passengers in their check in bags. I checked the ABF website yesterday (on 15/05/2022) to see if there is any new ban on these items and it (spices / food etc) was still listed under “Declare it” category.

Yours faithfully,

Jose

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

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[FOI #8908 email]

Is [ABF request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests to Australian Border Force? If so, please contact us using this form:

https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.

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.

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

Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and attachments immediately. This email, including attachments, may contain confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.

Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. The Department of Home Affairs and ABF respect your privacy and have obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.

Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this email.

hide quoted sections

FOI, Australian Border Force

OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy

Good morning

 

Thank you for your Freedom of Information access request.

 

I am writing per section 15(4) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI
Act) to advise that the Department of Home Affairs is not the appropriate
agency to respond to your request. Search and retrieval activities within
the Department of Home Affairs have identified that the Department of Home
Affairs does not hold relevant documents, and that the scope of your
request falls within the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Water and
the Environment.

 

Additionally, Freedom of Information manages formal requests for access to
documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). Your
enquiry seems general in nature and, as such, it might be better
channelled through the general enquiries line of the relevant agency.

 

I suggest that you contact the following agency, which might assist with
your enquiry or might hold relevant documents and information:

 

[1]Online enquiries - DAWE

[2]Freedom of Information - DAWE

 

Furthermore, this article may contain information which you are seeking:

 

[3]Requirements for other-risk plant products to protect against khapra
beetle - DAWE

 

If you agree, please confirm by reply email the withdrawal of your FOI
request with the Department of Home Affairs. If we do not receive your
response by 10 June 2022, we will deem your FOI request withdrawn.

 

Kind regards

 

Peter

Position number: 11453

Authorised FOI Officer

FOI and Records Management Branch | Data Division

Strategy and National Resilience Group

Department Of Home Affairs

E: [4][ABF request email]

 

Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: FOI <[ABF request email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 18 May 2022 16:27
To: Jose <[FOI #8908 email]>
Subject: Acknowledgement – FOI request FA 22/05/00728
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Personal-Privacy]

 

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

Personal-Privacy

 

In reply please quote:

FOI Request:FA 22/05/00728

File Number:OBJ2022/12182 

 

Dear Jose

 

Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information Access request

 

I refer to your correspondence received on 16 May 2022 seeking access to
documents held by the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) under
the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).

 

Scope of request

 

You have requested access to the following:

 

I saw the below post in Facebook (reg. ABF Incoming Baggage Restrictions).
It was mentioned in the photo in that particular post that Indian Masalas
(branded or non branded), Pulses, Lentils etc shall no longer be allowed
by the ABF from 28th April.

 

[5]https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaAlludu...

 

Please let me know if there is directive (or new rule) given to the
immigration officers at border check points / airports to seize and bin
all the spices / pulses/ lentils brought by the passengers in their check
in bags. I checked the ABF website yesterday (on 15/05/2022)  to see if
there is any new ban on these items and it (spices / food etc) was still
listed under “Declare it” category.

 

Your request was received by the Department on 16 May 2022 and has been
allocated FOI request number FA 22/05/00728.

 

Please include your FOI request number in all correspondence with the
Freedom of Information Section.

 

Timeframe

 

The timeframe for processing a request is 30 days from the day we receive
your request, as set out in the FOI Act.

 

Your review rights in relation to your request are available on the
website of the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner here.

 

Fees and Charges

 

Charges do not apply to requests from individuals seeking access to
documents about themselves. However, a charge may apply to all other
requests for access to documents.

Charges are based on the amount of time the Department spends on your
request. Charges can range from $10 to over $1,000 depending on the
complexity and scope of your request. The Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner reported that across the public service, the
average charge notified was $335.50 in 2020-21.

If a charge applies, you will be issued with a Notice of Charge that
explains the charge and your options.

Detailed information about FOI charges that may apply to your FOI request
is available on the Department’s website.

 

We do not provide personal details of staff

 

The Department’s practice is to exclude the personal details of staff not
in the Senior Executive Service (SES), as well as the direct contact
details of SES staff, contained in documents that fall within scope of an
FOI request. If you require personal details of non-SES officers, or
direct contact details of SES staff, please inform us so the decision
maker may consider your request. Otherwise we will take it that you agree
to that information being excluded from the scope of your request. However
names of staff that have previously been released in departmental
correspondence may be disclosed.

 

We do not provide duplicated documents

 

If the FOI decision-maker deems a document to be a duplicate, they will
not assess those pages as part of your FOI request. This means that if a
there is a decision to release the document to you, you will receive only
one copy, even if multiple copies of that document exist.

 

Released documents you request may be published to our website

 

Where documents are released to you in response to your request, the
Department may be required to publish these documents on its website
within 10 working days in accordance with section 11C of the FOI Act.
Publication will not be required where the documents contain personal or
business affairs information.

 

How to reduce or withdraw your request

 

Reducing the scope of your request can reduce the time and charges
associated with processing your FOI request.

 

To reduce or withdraw your request, contact the FOI section at
[6][ABF request email] and include your FOI request number.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Michael

Position number: 60097355

Authorised FOI Officer

FOI and Records Management Branch | Data Division Strategy and National
Resilience Group Department Of Home Affairs

E: [7][ABF request email]

 

 

 

 

Personal-Privacy

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: Jose <[8][FOI #8908 email]>

Sent: Monday, 16 May 2022 2:10 PM

To: FOI <[9][ABF request email]>

Subject: Freedom of Information request - Question Regarding Incoming
Baggage Restrictions

 

Dear Australian Border Force,

 

 

 

I saw the below post in Facebook (reg. ABF Incoming Baggage Restrictions).
It was mentioned in the photo in that particular post that Indian Masalas
(branded or non branded), Pulses, Lentils etc shall no longer be allowed
by the ABF from 28th April.

 

 

 

[10]https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaAlludu...

 

 

 

Please let me know if there is directive (or new rule) given to the
immigration officers at border check points / airports to seize and bin
all the spices / pulses/ lentils brought by the passengers in their check
in bags. I checked the ABF website yesterday (on 15/05/2022)  to see if
there is any new ban on these items and it (spices / food etc) was still
listed under “Declare it” category.

 

 

 

Yours faithfully,

 

 

 

Jose

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

 

[11][FOI #8908 email]

 

 

 

Is [12][ABF request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Australian Border Force? If so, please contact us using this
form:

 

[13]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...

 

 

 

This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This
message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet.
More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

 

[14]https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

 

 

 

Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by
the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received
this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and
attachments immediately.  This email, including attachments, may contain
confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.
 

Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information
by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. 
The Department of Home Affairs and ABF respect your privacy and have
obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.  

Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this
email.

References

Visible links
1. https://www.awe.gov.au/about/contact/onl...
2. https://www.awe.gov.au/about/reporting/f...
3. https://www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade...
4. mailto:[ABF request email]
5. https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaAlludu...
6. mailto:[ABF request email]
7. mailto:[ABF request email]
8. mailto:[FOI #8908 email]
9. mailto:[ABF request email]
10. https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaAlludu...
11. mailto:[FOI #8908 email]
12. mailto:[ABF request email]
13. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
14. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

hide quoted sections

Dear FOI Officer,

I will contact DAWE or check their website for this information. So I would like to withdraw my FOI request to Department of Home Affairs. Thanks.

Yours sincerely,

Jose

FOI, Australian Border Force

OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Personal-Privacy

In reply please quote:
FOI Request: FA 22/05/00728
File Number: OBJ2022/12182

Dear Jose,

Thank you. As per your instructions this FOI request has been withdrawn.

No further action is required by you in this regard.

Kind regards,

FOI Officer - Geoff
Freedom of Information
Department of Home Affairs

E: [ABF request email]

-----Original Message-----
From: Jose <[FOI #8908 email]>
Sent: 7 June 2022 1:39 PM
To: FOI <[ABF request email]>
Subject: Re: s.15(4) of FOI Act – FOI request FA 22/05/00728 [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Personal-Privacy]

Dear FOI Officer,

I will contact DAWE or check their website for this information. So I would like to withdraw my FOI request to Department of Home Affairs. Thanks.

Yours sincerely,

Jose

-----Original Message-----

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

Personal-Privacy

Good morning

 

Thank you for your Freedom of Information access request.

 

I am writing per section 15(4) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI

Act) to advise that the Department of Home Affairs is not the appropriate

agency to respond to your request. Search and retrieval activities within

the Department of Home Affairs have identified that the Department of Home

Affairs does not hold relevant documents, and that the scope of your

request falls within the remit of the Department of Agriculture, Water and

the Environment.

 

Additionally, Freedom of Information manages formal requests for access to

documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). Your

enquiry seems general in nature and, as such, it might be better

channelled through the general enquiries line of the relevant agency.

 

I suggest that you contact the following agency, which might assist with

your enquiry or might hold relevant documents and information:

 

[1]Online enquiries - DAWE

[2]Freedom of Information - DAWE

 

Furthermore, this article may contain information which you are seeking:

 

[3]Requirements for other-risk plant products to protect against khapra

beetle - DAWE

 

If you agree, please confirm by reply email the withdrawal of your FOI

request with the Department of Home Affairs. If we do not receive your

response by 10 June 2022, we will deem your FOI request withdrawn.

 

Kind regards

 

Peter

Position number: 11453

Authorised FOI Officer

FOI and Records Management Branch | Data Division

Strategy and National Resilience Group

Department Of Home Affairs

E: [4][ABF request email]

 

Personal-Privacy

OFFICIAL: Sensitive

 

 

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

Please use this email address for all replies to this request:

[FOI #8908 email]

This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:

https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...

Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.

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.

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

Personal-Privacy
OFFICIAL: Sensitive

Important Notice: The content of this email is intended only for use by the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you have received this email by mistake, please advise the sender and delete the message and attachments immediately. This email, including attachments, may contain confidential, sensitive, legally privileged and/or copyright information.

Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. The Department of Home Affairs and ABF respect your privacy and have obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.

Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this email.

hide quoted sections

We don't know whether the most recent response to this request contains information or not – if you are Jose please sign in and let everyone know.