Document 1
From:
xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
To:
FOI
Subject:
Privacy FOI request – Non-personal information
Date:
Friday, 13 October 2023 12:36:43 PM
This enquiry was submitted through the departmental website.
________________________________
Originating form: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/forms-subsite/Pages/access-to-documents.aspx
It was submitted by s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
on Friday, 13 October 2023 at 12:36:43 PM
________________________________
The statutory timeframe for an FOI request is 30 days. Before you lodge a request, check if there is a quicker
way to access the information you are seeking.: None of these apply – I need to lodge this form
I confirm that I have reviewed the above information and that I am not able to access the information I need
through the above methods.: Yes
Privacy and security
I have read and understood the department's Privacy statement: True
I have read and understood the department's Security statement: True
I have read and understood the department's Privacy policy: True
Previous Requests
Have you lodged an FOI request with Home Affairs previously?: No
Request type
Request type: I want to access non-personal information. Non-personal information is information that does not
relate directly to you. It may include policy, procedural and operational documents, and data held by the
Department in its systems.
Non-personal information: Non-personal information
Consent for someone to act
Do you consent to someone else acting on your behalf for this request?: No
Non personal requests
Are you representing a company or organisation?: No
Family name: s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Given name/s: s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Phone number: s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Email address: s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Under section 15(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982, I am seeking access to the following
document(s):: Would you please provide the total numbers of people waiting for the citizenship ceremony in
Bayside Council, New South Wales at of 13 October 2023 as well as the earliest and the most recent citizenship
approved timestamp of these people in the queue? Also, the date of the most recent citizenship ceremony in
Bayside Council at of 13 October 2023, and the earliest and the most recent citizenship approved timestamp of
the people attending this ceremony
Enter the date range related
Date from: 01/02/2023
Date to: 13/10/2023
I understand that the Department’s policy is to charge applicants for non-personal requests in line with the
relevant provisions in the FOI Act.: True
To assist the Department to look at ways to proactively disclose documents, we ask you to provide information
on why you are making this request.: Time frame for citizenship ceremony
Acknowledgement and declarations
I am aware that any person who provides false or misleading information, or who deceives or misleads, or who
Document 1
presents a forged document to an Australian Government official, may be prosecuted.: True
I understand the department may collect, use and disclose my personal information (including biometric
information and other sensitive information) as outlined in form 1442i Privacy notice.: True
Submit: True
________________________________
Request ID: Req-20231013123642816-FDCWPWVSP37
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, the ABF and the National Emergency
Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this email.
Document 2
From:
FOI
To:
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Subject:
Response to FOI request from Home Affairs FA23/10/00677 SEC=OFFICIAL
Date:
Friday, 13 October 2023 12:48:11 PM
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: 23/10/00677
File Number: FA23/10/00677
Dear s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information Access request
This letter acknowledges we received your request on Friday, 13 October 2023 at 12:36:43
PM to access documents held by the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) under
the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act). This letter also provides important
information about your request.
Scope of request
You have requested access to the following:
Would you please provide the total numbers of people waiting for the citizenship
ceremony in Bayside Council, New South Wales at of 13 October 2023 as well as the
earliest and the most recent citizenship approved timestamp of these people in the queue?
Also, the date of the most recent citizenship ceremony in Bayside Council at of 13 October
2023, and the earliest and the most recent citizenship approved timestamp of the people
attending this ceremony
Your request was received by the Department on Friday, 13 October 2023 at 12:36:43 PM
and has been allocated FOI request number: FA23/10/00677
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.
Document 2
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
exists.
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 refine or withdraw your request
Refining your request can reduce the time and charges associated with processing your
FOI request.
To refine or withdraw your request, contact the FOI section at xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx and
include your FOI request number.
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Document 3.1
7 November 2023
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
BY EM AIL: s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
In reply, please quote:
FOI Request:
FA 23/10/00677
File Number:
FA 23/10/00677
Dear s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Freedom of Information (FOI) request – Access Decision
On 13 October 2023, the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) received a request for
access to document under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act).
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with a decision on your request for access under the
FOI Act.
1
Scope of request
You have requested access to the following document:
Would you please provide the total numbers of people waiting for the citizenship
ceremony in Bayside Council, New South Wales at of 13 October 2023 as well as
the earliest and the most recent citizenship approved timestamp of these people in
the queue? Also, the date of the most recent citizenship ceremony in Bayside
Council at of 13 October 2023, and the earliest and the most recent citizenship
approved timestamp of the people attending this ceremony..
2
Authority to make decision
I am an officer authorised under section 23 of the FOI Act to make decisions in respect of
requests to access document or to amend or annotate records.
3
Relevant material
In reaching my decision I referred to the following:
the terms of your request
the document relevant to the request
the FOI Act
Guidelines published by the Office of the Information Commissioner under section 93A
of the FOI Act (the FOI Guidelines)
6 Chan Street Belconnen ACT 2617
PO Box 25 Belconnen ACT 2616 Telephone: 02 6264 1111 www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Document 3.1
advice from Departmental officers with responsibility for matters relating to the
document to which you sought access
4
Document in scope of request
In accordance with section 17 of the FOI Act, the Department has used its computer system to
produce one document that contain information that falls within the scope of your request. The
data produced in the document existed in the possession of the Department on 13 November
2023 when your FOI request was received.
5
Decision
The decision in relation to the document in the possession of the Department which fall within
the scope of your request is as follows:
Release one document in full
6
Legislation
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562. If you
are unable to access the legislation through this website, please contact our office for a copy .
7
Your Review Rights
Internal review
If you disagree with this decision, you have the right to apply for an internal review by the
Department of this decision. Any request for internal review must be provided to the Department
within 30 days of you being notified of the decision. Where possible please attach reasons why
you believe a review of the decision is necessary. The internal review will be carried out by an
officer other than the original decision maker and the Department must make a review decis ion
within 30 days.
Applications for review should be sent to:
By email to: xxx.xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OR
By mail to:
Freedom of Information Section
Department of Home Affairs
PO Box 25
BELCONNEN ACT 2617
Information Commissioner review
You may apply directly to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for an
Information Commissioner review of this decision. You must apply in writing within 60 days of
this notice. For further information about review rights and how to submit a request for a review
to the OAIC, please see https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/your-freedom-of-
information-rights/freedom-of-information-reviews/information-commissioner-review.
- 2 –
Document 3.1
8
M aking a complaint
You may complain to the Information Commissioner about action taken by the Department in
relation to your request.
Your enquiries to the Information Commissioner can be directed to:
Phone 1300 363 992 (local call charge)
Email xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
There is no particular form required to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner. The
request should be in writing and should set out the grounds on which it is considered that the
action taken in relation to the request should be investigated and identify the Department of Home
Affairs as the relevant agency.
9
Contacting the FOI Section
Should you wish to discuss this decision, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at
xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx.
Electronically signed
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position number 60156398
Authorised Decision Maker
Department of Home Affairs
- 3 –
Document 4
From:
xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
To:
FOI
Subject:
Privacy FOI request – Non-personal information
Date:
Monday, 4 August 2025 3:35:15 PM
This enquiry was submitted through the departmental website.
________________________________
Originating form: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/forms-subsite/Pages/access-to-documents.aspx
It was submitted by s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
on Monday, 4 August 2025 at 3:35:14 PM
________________________________
Before you lodge a request, check if there is a quicker way to access the information you are seeking.: None of
these apply – I need to lodge this form
I confirm that I have reviewed the above information and that I am not able to access the information I need
through the above methods.: Yes
Privacy and security
I have read and understood the department's Privacy statement: True
I have read and understood the department's Security statement: True
I have read and understood the department's Privacy policy: True
Previous Requests
Have you lodged an access or amendment request with Home Affairs previously?: No
Request type
Request type: I want to access non-personal information. Non-personal information is information that does not
relate directly to you. It may include policy, procedural and operational documents, and data held by the
Department in its systems.
Non-personal information: Non-personal information
Consent for someone to act
Do you consent to someone else acting on your behalf for this request?: No
Non personal requests
Are you representing a company or organisation?: No
Family name: s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Phone number: s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Email address: s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Under section 15(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982, I am seeking access to the following
document(s):: I am seeking access to documents that show the number of on-hand (outstanding or unprocessed)
subclass 820 Partner visa applications as of 1 August 2025 .I also request any documents that show processing
times, delays, or estimated timeframes related to the backlog of subclass 820 visa applications.
I understand that the Department’s policy is to charge applicants for non-personal requests in line with the
relevant provisions in the FOI Act.: True
Acknowledgement and declarations
I am aware that any person who provides false or misleading information, or who deceives or misleads, or who
presents a forged document to an Australian Government official, may be prosecuted.: True
I understand the department may collect, use and disclose my personal information (including biometric
information and other sensitive information) as outlined in form 1442i Privacy notice.: True
Submit: True
________________________________
Request ID: Req-20250804033514511-PDCWPWVSP36
Document 4
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, the ABF and the National Emergency
Management Agency respect your privacy and have obligations under the Privacy Act 1988.
Unsolicited commercial emails MUST NOT be sent to the originator of this email.
Document 5
From:
FOI
To:
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Subject:
Response to FOI request from Home Affairs FA25/08/00218 SEC=OFFICIAL
Date:
Monday, 4 August 2025 3:57:22 PM
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
In reply please quote:
FOI Request: 25/08/00218
File Number: FA25/08/00218
Dear s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Acknowledgement of Freedom of Information Access request
This letter acknowledges we received your request on Monday, 4 August 2025 at 3:35:14
PM to access documents held by the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) under
the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act). This letter also provides important
information about your request.
Scope of request
You have requested access to the following:
I am seeking access to documents that show the number of on-hand (outstanding or
unprocessed) subclass 820 Partner visa applications as of 1 August 2025 .I also request any
documents that show processing times, delays, or estimated timeframes related to the
backlog of subclass 820 visa applications.
Your request was received by the Department on Monday, 4 August 2025 at 3:35:14 PM
and has been allocated FOI request number: FA25/08/00218
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.
Document 5
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
exists.
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 refine or withdraw your request
Refining your request can reduce the time and charges associated with processing your
FOI request.
To refine or withdraw your request, contact the FOI section at xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx and
include your FOI request number.
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Document 6
From:
FOI Reviews mailbox
To:
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Subject:
FOI request FA 25/08/00218 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Monday, 25 August 2025 2:05:10 PM
Attachments:
fa-250800218-decision-record.PDF
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
image001.jpg
OFFICIAL
Dear s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
FOI request FA 25/08/00218
I refer to your FOI request received on 4 August 2025, seeking access to the following:
I am seeking access to the following document(s):
I am seeking access to documents that show the number of on-hand (outstanding or
unprocessed) subclass 820 Partner visa applications as of 1 August 2025 .I also
request any documents that show processing times, delays, or estimated timeframes
related to the backlog of subclass 820 visa applications..
The Department has made a decision on this request. Please find attached the
decision record and documents released under the FOI Act.
This request has now been closed.
Kind regards,
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
FOI Review Officer
Freedom of Information Section
Department of Home Affairs
E: xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
OFFICIAL
Document 6.1
OFFICIAL
• Guidelines published by the Of ice of the Information Commissioner under section 93A of
the FOI Act (the FOI Guidelines)
• advice from Departmental officers with responsibility for matters relating to the documents
to which you sought access
Document in scope of request
In accordance with section 17 of the FOI Act, the Department has used its computer system to
produce one document that contains information that falls within the scope of your request. The data
produced in the document existed in the possession of the Department on 4 August 2025 when your
FOI request was received.
Decision
The decision in relation to the document in the possession of the Department which fall within the
scope of your request is as follows:
• Release one document in full
Legislation
A copy of the FOI Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562. If you are
unable to access the legislation through this website, please contact our office for a copy.
Your review rights
If you disagree with this decision, you have the right to apply for either an internal review or an
Information Commissioner review of the decision.
Internal review
If you want the Department to review this decision, you must make your internal review request
within 30 days of being notified of this decision.
When making your internal review request, please provide the Department with the reasons why you
consider this decision should be changed.
You can send your internal review request to:
Email: xxx.xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
The internal review wil be carried out by an officer who is more senior than the original decision
maker. The Department must make its decision on the review within 30 days of receiving your
request for internal review.
Information Commissioner review
If you want the Australian Information Commissioner to review this decision, you must make your
request to the Of ice of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) within 60 days of being
notified of this decision.
OFFICIAL
Page
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Document 6.1
OFFICIAL
You can apply for an Information Commissioner review using the Information Commissioner review
application form on the OAIC website.
You can find more information about Information Commissioner reviews on the OAIC website.
Making a complaint
You may make a complaint to the Australian Information Commissioner if you have concerns about
how the Department has handled your request under the FOI Act. This is a separate process to the
process of requesting a review of the decision as indicated above.
You can make an FOI complaint to the Of ice of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
at: FOI Complaint Form on the OAIC website.
Contacting the FOI Section
Should you wish to discuss this decision, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at
xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx.
Yours sincerely,
[Electronical y signed]
s. 22(1)(a)(ii)
Position number 60204978
Authorised Decision Maker
Department of Home Af air
OFFICIAL
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