Explaining our decisions
We must give you a statement setting out the reasons for our decision if we refuse to:
- allow you access to a document
- amend your personal information
- waive or reduce the amount of your charges.
We will also tell you how to have our decision reviewed.
Generally, we must provide the statement within 30 days of receiving your request.
Reviewing our decisions
You can ask us to review our decision if you do not agree with it.
Your request for a review must be in writing. You need to send it to us within 30 days of being notified of our decision. If you cannot request a review within 30 days, you can apply for an extension of time. An extension cannot be applied for unless it falls within 30 days of receiving a freedom of information (FOI) decision. Your application should set out the reasons why you are unable to seek the review within 30 days.
An officer who was not involved in the original decision will do the review. Normally, we will give you our decision and the reasons for it within 30 days of receiving your request for a review.
You also have the right to seek review from the Australian Information Commissioner if we make an initial or review decision you do not agree with. Further information about this process can be found on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner website.
Feedback and review bodies
Global feedback unit
If you want to provide us with feedback about our service, complete an
online feedback form or write to:
The Manager
Global Feedback Unit
GPO Box 241
Melbourne Vic. 3001
Australia
Australian Information Commissioner
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner handles complaints from the public into how requests are handled under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).
You can make a complaint to the Australian Information Commissioner if you do not like the way your request has been processed.
The Australian Information Commissioner has the power to undertake an investigation based on a complaint or can also initiate an own motion investigation into the actions of the departments.
If you are unsure how to make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, you can contact their office and they will provide appropriate assistance.
The Privacy Commissioner
If you are not happy with how we handled your Privacy request, you can contact the Privacy Commissioner.
Telephone: 1300 363 992 (local call charge)
Email: privacy@privacy.gov.au
