Our reference: RQ16/02482

Your reference: FOI 222-1516

 

Ms Elizabeth Santolin

Assistant Director

FOI Team

Department of Health

Extension of time request under s 15AB

Thank you for your correspondence of 4 July 2016 and 8 July 2016 (attached), in which you requested an extension of time for the Department of Health (Department) to process Mr Stuart McCarthy’s request received on 4 May 2016 under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the FOI Act).

You have sought an extension on the basis that the current processing period is insufficient to adequately deal with the FOI request because it is voluminous or complex.

Decision

As a delegate of the 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 Department an extension of time under s 15AB(2) of the FOI Act to close of business 29 July 2016.

 

In coming to this decision, I have considered your advice that:

·         the FOI request involves the retrieval of 50 hard copy files, and 2000 electronic documents

·         the documents need to be examined by an expert specialist (i.e. a Doctor)

·         consultation of documents is required with other Commonwealth agencies

·         the Department have already obtained verbal agreement from the applicant for extension of time until 29 July 2016 to process the request.

 

I am satisfied with the Department’s proposal to manage this request.

A copy of this decision will be provided to the applicants.

Contact

If you have any questions about this email, please contact me on 02 9284 9726 or via email [email address]. In all correspondence please include reference number RQ16/02482.

Yours sincerely

 

Brandon Chen | Investigation and Review Officer | FOI Dispute Resolution

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

GPO Box 5218 SYDNEY NSW 2001 | www.oaic.gov.au

Phone:  +61 2 9284 9726 | Email: [email address]

 

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