ATTACHMENT A:
Copy of FOI30/123 Revised request (dated 21/12/2023).
Copy of FOI30/123 request (dated 8/12/2023) and
acknowledgment.
Copy of FOI30/124 request (dated 29/12/2023) and
acknowledgment.
Copy of FOI30/123 Revised request (dated
21/12/2023)
From:
CR <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent:
Thursday, 21 December 2023 10:40 PM
To:
FOI
Subject:
RE: Freedom of Information request - Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in QLD
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Freedom of Information team,
I would like to extend my gratitude for your proactive approach in handling my FOI request.
Upon careful consideration of your statements, I would like to provide further clarification on the specific
documents I am seeking:
1.
Documents (in the ordinary sense of the word) that include directives, procedures, or instructions
pertaining to the provision of the Severe Thunderstorm Warning Service in the Queensland region. This
encompasses the Queensland Severe Thunderstorm Directive, the Queensland Severe Weather Directive,
and the Weather and Oceanographic Services Handbook.
2.
Emails and communications that relate to changes or updates regarding the directives, procedures,
or instructions for the provision of the Severe Thunderstorm Warning Service in the Queensland region.
This may include correspondence highlighting amendments to procedures or the introduction of new
versions of relevant documents. The timeframe for this part of the request is limited to the period from
January 1, 2023, to December 18, 2023.
3.
Documents (in the ordinary sense of the word) solely dedicated to the Australian Integrated
Forecasting System. This may include a handbook, procedures, or directives related to the system.
4.
Documents (in the ordinary sense of the word) solely focused on the Disaster Mitigation Program.
This may include a policy handbook, procedures, or directives associated with the program.
5.
The Queensland Severe Thunderstorm Warnings summary that was issued monthly throughout the
entirety of 2023.
While I understand your request for an extension of time, I must inform you that it is within my interest to
allow the FOI request to expire, as this would impact your ability to impose charges (ss 7(2) and (3) of the
Charges Regulations). Consequently, I understand if this decision results in the Bureau not being able to
provide the requested information within the statutory time limit.
1
I believe that the scope of this revised request is now clearer and more specific. However, if there are any
remaining areas of uncertainty, I kindly ask that you reach out to me for further clarification.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
CR
-----Original Message-----
Ref: FOI30/123
Dear CR,
1. We refer to and acknowledge receipt of your email dated 18
December 2023 (below), in which you request access to documents under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (‘FOI Act’) for the fol owing ('your
request'):
1. The Queensland Severe Thunderstorm Directive.
2. The Queensland Severe Weather Directive.
2
3. The Weather and Oceanographic Services Handbook.
4. The Australian Integrated Forecasting System handbook, procedures and
directives.
5. Documents including directives, procedures or instructions for the
provision of the Severe Thunderstorm Warning Service in the Queensland
region. This includes directives or updates communicated via email from
January 1 2022 to December 18 2023.
6. The Queensland Severe Thunderstorm Warnings summary issued monthly for
al of 2023.
7. The Disaster Mitigation Program handbook, policy, procedures and
directives.
3
Please provide the latest final versions of the above documents. I also
request that any draft versions of the listed documents be provided
separately from the final version.
I respectful y request these documents without the "Released under Freedom
of Information" watermark.
Please exclude names and contact details of staff below Group Executive
level, third parties, and duplicate content.
Clarification of your request:
2. As given above, your request sets out seven Items for which
access to document/s is requested. We respectful y write with respect to
specific Items of your request.
3. We note that parts of your request are broadly stated, and
there appears to be duplication across some of the Items. That is, Item 5
seeks:
4
Documents including directives, procedures or instructions for the
provision of the Severe Thunderstorm Warning Service in the Queensland
region. This includes directives or updates communicated via email from
January 1 2022 to December 18 2023.
4. Notably, Item 5 appears reasonably to include documents
sought by Items 1, 2 and 3 and likely creates duplication, which
practical y might be inconsistent with your express wish to exclude
'duplicate content'.
5. We additional y note that Item 5 is worded to be inclusive
of various communications (including emails) across a broad timeframe
'from January 1 2022 to December 18 2023'. The scope of this Item appears
broad.
6. We kindly request that you consider revising your request,
particularly in relation to the fol owing.
a. As Items 1-3 appear included in Item 5, we request that you withdraw
5
Items 1, 2 and 3 from your request so as to remove duplication of
request terms; and
b. As noted above (at para [5]) Item 5 of your request is stated
broadly, particularly with a wide timeframe. We ask that you to
consider revising the timeframe to a shorter comparatively more
practical timeframe. For example, you may consider revising it to
cover a 6-months period such as 1 July 2023 - 18 December 2023
(inclusive).
7. We would be grateful for consideration of the above and your
reply in relation to them by 12 pm on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
Request for your agreement to additional time:
8. The Bureau received your request by email on 18 December
2023.
9. Section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act provides that the Bureau has
30 calendar days to deal with an access request. This means the decision
6
is due by 17 January 2024.
10. We respectful y request your agreement, pursuant to s 15AA,
to an additional 30 calendar days to deal with your access request. This
additional y wil assist the Bureau to process your access request as
effectively as practicable and within time, particularly considering the
Bureau's resources are limited at this period of year either because many
of the Bureau's staff are/wil soon be taking leave and that limited
specialist staff capable of providing assistance on your access request
are focused on crucial operational matters during this current weather
season.
11. We kindly ask for your understanding and agreement to this
extension request.
Timeframe:
12. We kindly ask for reply by 12 pm on Tuesday 2 January 2024
regarding the above matters, that is:
a. For the reasons noted above at paragraphs [2]-[4], whether you agree
7
to revise your request by:
i. Withdrawing Items 1, 2 and
3; and
i . Revise the timeframe in
Item 5 of your request to a shorter time-period, for example by limiting
it to cover a period such as 1 July 2023 - 18 December 2023 (inclusive).
b. Your agreement to an additional 30 calendar days to process your
access request pursuant to s 15AA of FOI Act.
13. Your response as soon as practicable wil assist the Bureau
to process your access request as efficiently as practicable.
14. We wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe season.
15. The Bureau aims to provide accessible documents. If you need
this document in a different format or if you have any questions, please
contact [1][BOM request email].
8
Regards,
Freedom of Information
[2][BOM request email] | [3]www.bom.gov.au
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synoptic map of Australia. Link to Bureau website,
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flag and Torres Custodians of Australia and their continuing connection to
Strait Islander land, sea and community.
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Important: This message may contain confidential or legal y privileged
information. If you think it was sent to you by mistake, please delete al
9
copies and advise the sender.
[12]Banner. Scrol ing ticker style with the text The Bureau of severe
weather warning, the harvest and Meteorology.
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Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses wil 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.
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10
Copy of FOI30/123 request (dated 18/12/2023) and
acknowledgment
From:
FOI
Sent:
Thursday, 21 December 2023 2:06 PM
To:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Cc:
FOI
Subject:
RE: Freedom of Information request - Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in QLD
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Ref: FOI30/123
Dear CR,
1.
We refer to and acknowledge receipt of your email dated 18 December 2023 (below), in which
you request access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (‘FOI Act’)
for the following ('your request'):
1. The Queensland Severe Thunderstorm Directive.
2. The Queensland Severe Weather Directive.
3. The Weather and Oceanographic Services Handbook.
4. The Australian Integrated Forecasting System handbook, procedures and directives.
5. Documents including directives, procedures or instructions for the provision of the Severe
Thunderstorm Warning Service in the Queensland region. This includes directives or updates
communicated via email from January 1 2022 to December 18 2023.
6. The Queensland Severe Thunderstorm Warnings summary issued monthly for all of 2023.
7. The Disaster Mitigation Program handbook, policy, procedures and directives.
Please provide the latest final versions of the above documents. I also request that any draft
versions of the listed documents be provided separately from the final version.
I respectfully request these documents without the "Released under Freedom of Information"
watermark.
Please exclude names and contact details of staff below Group Executive level, third parties,
and duplicate content.
Clarification of your request:
2.
As given above, your request sets out seven Items for which access to document/s is
requested. We respectfully write with respect to specific Items of your request.
3.
We note that parts of your request are broadly stated, and there appears to be duplication
across some of the Items. That is, Item 5 seeks:
Documents including directives, procedures or instructions for the provision of the
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Service in the Queensland region. This includes directives
or updates communicated via email from January 1 2022 to December 18 2023.
4.
Notably, Item 5 appears reasonably to include documents sought by Items 1, 2 and 3 and likely
creates duplication, which practically might be inconsistent with your express wish to exclude
'duplicate content'.
1
5.
We additional y note that Item 5 is worded to be inclusive of various communications (including
emails) across a broad timeframe 'from January 1 2022 to December 18 2023'. The scope of
this Item appears broad.
6.
We kindly request that you consider revising your request, particularly in relation to the
fol owing.
a. As Items 1-3 appear included in Item 5, we request that you withdraw Items 1, 2 and 3 from
your request so as to remove duplication of request terms; and
b. As noted above (at para [5]) Item 5 of your request is stated broadly, particularly with a wide
timeframe. We ask that you to consider revising the timeframe to a shorter comparatively
more practical timeframe. For example, you may consider revising it to cover a 6-months
period such as 1 July 2023 - 18 December 2023 (inclusive).
7.
We would be grateful for consideration of the above and your reply in relation to them by 12 pm
on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
Request for your agreement to additional time:
8.
The Bureau received your request by email on 18 December 2023.
9.
Section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act provides that the Bureau has 30 calendar days to deal with an
access request. This means the decision is due by 17 January 2024.
10.
We respectful y request your agreement, pursuant to s 15AA, to an additional 30 calendar days
to deal with your access request. This additional y wil assist the Bureau to process your access
request as effectively as practicable and within time, particularly considering the Bureau's
resources are limited at this period of year either because many of the Bureau's staff are/wil
soon be taking leave and that limited specialist staff capable of providing assistance on your
access request are focused on crucial operational matters during this current weather season.
11.
We kindly ask for your understanding and agreement to this extension request.
Timeframe:
12.
We kindly ask for reply by 12 pm on Tuesday 2 January 2024 regarding the above matters,
that is:
a. For the reasons noted above at paragraphs [2]-[4], whether you agree to revise your request
by:
i. Withdrawing Items 1, 2 and 3; and
i . Revise the timeframe in Item 5 of your request to a shorter time-period, for example
by limiting it to cover a period such as 1 July 2023 - 18 December 2023 (inclusive).
b. Your agreement to an additional 30 calendar days to process your access request pursuant
to s 15AA of FOI Act.
13.
Your response as soon as practicable wil assist the Bureau to process your access request as
efficiently as practicable.
14.
We wish you and your loved ones a happy and safe season.
15.
The Bureau aims to provide accessible documents. If you need this document in a different
format or if you have any questions, please contact xxx@xxx.xxx.xx.
Regards,
2
Freedom of Information
xxx@xxx.xxx.xx | www.bom.gov.au
The Bureau of Meteorology acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continuing
connection to land, sea and community.
Important: This message may contain confidential or legal y privileged information. If you think it was sent to you by mistake,
please delete al copies and advise the sender.
-----Original Message-----
From: CR <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 11:13 PM
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in QLD
Dear Bureau of Meteorology,
The documents requested relate to the Severe Thunderstorm Warning Service provided in Queensland.
I request access to the fol owing documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982:
1. The Queensland Severe Thunderstorm Directive.
2. The Queensland Severe Weather Directive.
3. The Weather and Oceanographic Services Handbook.
4. The Australian Integrated Forecasting System handbook, procedures and directives.
5. Documents including directives, procedures or instructions for the provision of the Severe Thunderstorm
Warning Service in the Queensland region. This includes directives or updates communicated via email
from January 1 2022 to December 18 2023.
6. The Queensland Severe Thunderstorm Warnings summary issued monthly for al of 2023.
7. The Disaster Mitigation Program handbook, policy, procedures and directives.
Please provide the latest final versions of the above documents. I also request that any draft versions of
the listed documents be provided separately from the final version.
I respectful y request these documents without the "Released under Freedom of Information" watermark.
Please exclude names and contact details of staff below Group Executive level, third parties, and duplicate
content.
3
Yours faithful y,
CR
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for al replies to this request:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Is xxx@xxx.xxx.xx the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests to Bureau of Meteorology? If
so, please contact us using this form:
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.righttoknow.org.au%2Fchange
_request%2Fnew%3Fbody%3Dbom&data=05%7C02%7CFOI%40bom.gov.au%7Ce9cafdf4c1df4dd39887
08dbffc2b68d%7Cd1ad7db597dd4f2b816e50d663b7bb94%7C0%7C0%7C638384984149320586%7CUnk
nown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3
D%7C2000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=azVw%2FZaXXymEjIlBCq1LSlZIsEAOcS2luvRrudQ8BuU%3D&reserve
d=0
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you
make wil be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.righttoknow.org.au%2Fhelp%2
Fofficers&data=05%7C02%7CFOI%40bom.gov.au%7Ce9cafdf4c1df4dd3988708dbffc2b68d%7Cd1ad7db
597dd4f2b816e50d663b7bb94%7C0%7C0%7C638384984149320586%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8
eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000%7C%7C%7C
&sdata=KCPXOp5ZboKHNNNrT3mlATmNMT%2BwgdB7SnvTRUacg3U%3D&reserved=0
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses wil 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.
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4
Copy of FOI30/124 request (dated 29/12/2023) and
acknowledgment
From:
FOI
Sent:
Wednesday, 3 January 2024 2:11 PM
To:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Cc:
FOI
Subject:
RE: Freedom of Information request - Provision of warning services [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Ref: FOI30/124
Dear CR,
1.
We refer to and acknowledge receipt of your email dated 29 December 2023 (below), in which
you request access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (‘FOI Act’) to the following
('your request'):
1. Documents (in the ordinary sense of the word) that include directives, procedures, or
instructions pertaining to the provision of Heatwave warnings in the Queensland region.
2. Documents (in the ordinary sense of the word) that include directives, procedures, or
instructions pertaining to the provision of tropical cyclone warnings in Australia.
Please provide the latest final versions of the above documents. I also request that any draft
versions of the listed documents be provided separately from the final version.
I respectfully request these documents without the "Released under Freedom of Information"
watermark.
Please exclude names and contact details of staff below Group Executive level, third parties,
and duplicate content.
2.
The Bureau received your request by email on 29 December 2023.
3.
Section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act provides that the Bureau has 30 calendar days to deal with an
access request. This means the decision is due by 29 January 2024.
4.
The Bureau aims to provide accessible documents. If you need this document in a different
format or if you have any questions, please contact xxx@xxx.xxx.xx.
Regards,
Freedom of Information
xxx@xxx.xxx.xx | www.bom.gov.au
The Bureau of Meteorology acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continuing
connection to land, sea and community.
Important: This message may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you think it was sent to you by mistake,
please delete all copies and advise the sender.
1
-----Original Message-----
From: CR <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2023 11:48 PM
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Provision of warning services
Dear Bureau of Meteorology,
I request access to the fol owing documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982:
1. Documents (in the ordinary sense of the word) that include directives, procedures, or instructions
pertaining to the provision of Heatwave warnings in the Queensland region.
2. Documents (in the ordinary sense of the word) that include directives, procedures, or instructions
pertaining to the provision of tropical cyclone warnings in Australia.
Please provide the latest final versions of the above documents. I also request that any draft versions of
the listed documents be provided separately from the final version.
I respectful y request these documents without the "Released under Freedom of Information" watermark.
Please exclude names and contact details of staff below Group Executive level, third parties, and duplicate
content.
Yours faithful y,
CR
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for al replies to this request:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Is xxx@xxx.xxx.xx the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests to Bureau of Meteorology? If
so, please contact us using this form:
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.righttoknow.org.au%2Fchange
_request%2Fnew%3Fbody%3Dbom&data=05%7C02%7CFOI%40bom.gov.au%7C72c816f6cfab427415de
08dc086c5eb9%7Cd1ad7db597dd4f2b816e50d663b7bb94%7C0%7C0%7C638394508879664137%7CUn
known%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%
3D%7C41000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=spYUghK522Tj6SOr5DMV%2BzXUqA3YLOgo9dplm%2FGEc%2B4
%3D&reserved=0
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you
make wil be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.righttoknow.org.au%2Fhelp%2
Fofficers&data=05%7C02%7CFOI%40bom.gov.au%7C72c816f6cfab427415de08dc086c5eb9%7Cd1ad7d
b597dd4f2b816e50d663b7bb94%7C0%7C0%7C638394508879820356%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d
8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C41000%7C%7C%7
C&sdata=%2FqD6SdiX7NGv2KL4kH%2B0xFilGyT5ZswVbKVjxU%2BtRMA%3D&reserved=0
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses wil be delayed.
2
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.
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3
Document Outline
