Before you start
Before submitting a request:
- Check whether the information is already available through the Information Publication Scheme or FOI Disclosure Log.
- Gather enough information about the documents you are seeking so we can identify them.
- Ensure you have a postal or email address for correspondence.
- Consider whether you are requesting access to your own personal information or other documents, as charges may apply to some requests.
What you can request
Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, you can:
- Request access to documents held by ODC.
- Request correction or annotation of personal information that is incomplete, inaccurate, out of date or misleading.
- Seek a review of certain FOI decisions.
Some documents, or parts of documents, may be exempt from release under the FOI Act.
How to make a request
Your FOI request must:
- Be in writing.
- State that it is an application under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
- Clearly describe the documents you are seeking.
- Include an address for correspondence.
Submit your request
You can send your request either:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| By post | The FOI Coordinator Legal Services Branch Department of Health GPO Box 9848 CANBERRA ACT 2601 |
| By email | foi@health.gov.au |
Fees and charges
There is no application fee for an FOI request.
There are no processing charges for requests for access to documents containing only personal information about you. However, processing charges may apply to other requests.
The most common charges are:
| Activity item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Search and retrieval: time we spend searching for or retrieving a document | $15.00 per hour |
| Decision making: time we spend in deciding to grant or refuse a request, including examining documents, consulting with other parties, and making deletions | First five hours: Nil Subsequent hours: $20 per hour |
| Transcript: preparing a transcript from a sound recording, shorthand or similar medium | $4.40 per page of transcript |
| Photocopy | $0.10 per page |
| Inspection: supervision by an agency officer of your inspection of documents or hearing or viewing an audio or visual recording at our premises | $6.25 per half hour (or part thereof) |
| Delivery: posting or delivering a copy of a document at your request | Cost of postage or delivery |
If we decide to impose a charge, we will give you a written estimate and the basis of our calculation. Where the estimated charge is between $20 and $100, we may ask you to pay a deposit of $20, or where the estimated charge exceeds $100, we may ask you to pay a 25% deposit before we process your request.
You can ask for the charge to be waived or reduced for any reason, including financial hardship or on the grounds of public interest.
If you do so, you should explain your reasons, and you may need to provide some evidence.
What you can expect from us
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Submit request | Day 0 |
| Acknowledgement received | Within 14 days |
| Decision issued | Within 30 days |
| Additional consultation required | Up to 30 days extra |
| Complex requests | May be extended by agreement |
If you disagree with our decision
You may be able to seek a review if:
- Access to a document is refused or deferred.
- A charge is imposed.
- A request to amend personal information is refused.
Internal review
You can ask ODC to reconsider the decision. An internal review will be conducted by another officer, and you will be notified of the outcome within 30 days.
Information Commissioner review
You can apply to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for an independent review of the decision.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how your request was handled, you can make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Need help?
Contact the FOI Contact Officer:
- Email: foi@health.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 020 103
- Alternative phone: (02) 6289 1555
For more information about freedom of information requests, visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.