This blog takes an interest in issues associated with Freedom of Information (FOI) and privacy legislation in Australia. Information contained on this site is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Follow Peter Timmins on Twitter: @foiguru Follow the open government cause through the Australian Open Government Partnership Network. www.opengovernment.org.au and @opengovau
Am I correct that anyone can request the released document(s), free of charge (in terms of an original amount The Australian might have paid to cover the department's administrative costs in assessing the document for release under FOI), as its release means it is a public document? might a problem be it is not possible to name them as this is not known, only a description?
ReplyDeleteIt's not a public document, but the Department would have no reason to knock back another request for what was released.And as of 1 November there is no application fee and five hours free decision making time so it shouldn't cost anything. The sensible thing would be for the Department to post it on the web. It will be required to do this in respect of documents released from 1 May next year when other amendments to the act concerning publication take effect. There is nothing stopping the Department jumping the gun.Just ask and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteI did ask, via email, on Oct 30 and have received no answer. Would you suggest I should send a letter to the Minister or Dept head?
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Oh and, my garbled last sentence in my first post meant, do I need to correctly name the document in requesting a copy (don't know the name) or does a description suffice?
ReplyDeleteMany thanks!
The brief as released (with redactions) is at http://www.climatechange.gov.au/media/incoming-government-brief.aspx
ReplyDelete