Dear Ms Iliagoueva

We refer to your emails (attached) received on 26 February 2016 seeking access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) to the following documents:

                “The documentation regarding the Safe Schools Coalition Australia program (2014)

The correspondence between the Prime Minister's office and the Education Minister and/or Education Department concerning the program.”

And

“The documentation regarding the Safe Schools Coalition Australia program (2014)

As well as a copy of Malcolm Turnbull's requested review of the program.”

Number of requests

Before the Department of Education and Training commences processing this correspondence in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the FOI Act), it would be helpful if you could advise if it was your intention to make two separate requests or one request combining the points raised in your emails.

Volume of documents / Revision of scope

Our preliminary enquiries within the department regarding the documents held in relation to this subject matter indicate that there is a significant volume of material, given the breadth of your scope indicates that you are seeking all documentation regarding Safe Schools Coalition Australia.  It would therefore be helpful if you could consider whether you wish to narrow the scope; perhaps there are particular types of documents, for a particular period that you are most interested in.  Providing a more specific scope reduces the risk that the request will be refused on the basis that it amounts to a substantial and unreasonable diversion of resources, or would result in a substantial processing charge.

We would also like to point you to some publicly available material on Safe Schools Coalition Australia, which can be found on the following website: www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au/.  Information available on the website includes:

·         Explanation of what the programme is

·         Resources

·         SSCA national office contacts

·         State and territory partner organisations

·         List of member schools

·         How to join

·         Supporter organisations

Due to the statutory timeframes, and to enable us to commence appropriate searches for documents as soon as possible, I would be grateful if you could confirm whether your intention is that your emails sent on 26 February 2016 be treated as a single request, and whether you wish to narrow the scope of your request as soon as possible, but no later than cob 3 March 2016.

If you have any questions about your request, please contact us via email: [email address].  

Yours sincerely

Freedom of Information Team

Department of Education and Training