Our reference: RQ16/02271
TGA reference: FOI 222-1516
Ms Elizabeth Santolin
Freedom of Information Team
Reporting and Collaborative Services Section
Regulatory Engagement and Planning Branch
Therapeutic Goods Administration
Sent by email to:
xxx@xxxxxx.xxx.xx
Dear Ms Santolin
Extension of time request under s 15AB
Thank you for your correspondence of 3 June 2016, in which you requested an
extension of time for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (
TGA) to process a
request for access to documents. This request was made by Mr Stuart McCarthy on
4 May 2016 under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the
FOI Act).
The TGA has sought an extension until 4 July 2016 on the basis that the current
processing period is insufficient to deal adequately with Mr McCarthy’s request,
because it is complex.
Decision
As a delegate of the acting Information Commissioner, I am authorised to make
decisions on requests for extensions of time under s 15AB of the FOI Act.
I have decided to grant the TGA a 30-day extension of time under s 15AB (2) of the
FOI Act to
4 July 2016. In coming to this decision I have considered the following
factors including:
The subject matter of the documents covered by the scope of the request
are complex in nature. In order to make a decision on the request, the TGA’s
FOI Team requires the assistance of an officer with the necessary technical
specialisation when assessing the documents covered by the scope of the
request.
Based on the information above, I am satisfied that Mr McCarthy’s request is
sufficiently complex to warrant an extension of 30 days. I am satisfied that granting
the TGA an extension until 4 July 2016 will allow the agency to manage and
produce a well-reasoned FOI decision. Accordingly, an extension of 30 days is
appropriate in the circumstances.
GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001
Enquiries 1300 363 992 • xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx • TTY 1800 620 241 • www.oaic.gov.au
ABN 85 249 230 937
A copy of this decision will be provided to Mr McCarthy.
Contact
If you have any questions about this letter, please contact me on (02) 9284 9615
Tuesday and Wednesdays. Alternatively, I can be reached by email at
xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx. In all correspondence please include reference number
RQ16/02271.
Yours sincerely
Ben Kirkwood
Assistant Merit Review Officer
Dispute Resolution Branch
22 June 2016
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