Our reference: RQ18/02489
Your reference: FOI 23544
Department of Veterans' Affairs
By email: xxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
Extension of time under s 15AB
Dear
Thank you for your correspondence of 30 August 2018, in which you applied for an extension
of time for the Department of Veterans' Affairs (the Department) to process Ms Verity Pane’s
request, received 16 July 2018, 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 deal adequately with Ms Pane’s request, because it is voluminous and complex.
Contact with Ms Pane
On 31 August 2018, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) wrote to
Ms Pane to seek her view on the Department’s request. Ms Pane responded to our inquiries
and provided comments which I have taken into consideration.
Decision
As a delegate of the Information Commissioner, I am authorised to make decisions on
applications 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 1 October 2018. In coming to this decision I have considered factors including your advice
that:
Ms Pane asked the Department to create a document outlining the Department’s
legal expenditure data relating for financial year 2015/16.
Some of the data is not readily available and will need to be recalled from off-site
storage.
The information needs to be collated and the document requested by Ms Pane
created from the information in the format requested.
1300 363 992
T +61 2 9284 9749
GPO Box 5218
www.oaic.gov.au
xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
F +61 2 9284 9666
Sydney NSW 2001
ABN 85 249 230 937
The Department estimates it would take 30 hours to finalise the request.
By granting
an extension of time it is anticipated that the Department will provide a well-
reasoned and better managed decision.
Ms Pane will be notified of this decision.
Contact
If you have any questions about this email, please contact me on 02 9284 9745 or via email
xxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx. In all correspondence please include OAIC reference number
RQ18/02489.
Yours sincerely
Carl English
Assistant Review and Investigation Officer
Freedom of Information Dispute Resolution
7 September 2018
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