19 October 2020
Our Ref: FOL/20/4167
Mr Scott Chapman
Via Email:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Dear Mr Chapman,
Thank you for your email dated the 03 October 2020.
I understand you are seeking an internal review to be conducted in relation to the Freedom of Information
(FOI) process that was accorded to your request for information on the 15 August 2020.
For an FOI request to be considered a valid request there are three elements that must be met as outlined
in the
Freedom of Information Act 1982.
1. That the request must be in written form.
2. The request provides such information concerning the document(s) as is reasonably necessary to
enable an officer to identify the document(s).
3. The Application Fee must be paid.
I have been advised that your request only successfully met the first element. This has resulted in your
request not being considered a formal request, despite numerous attempts by the responsible officer to
clarify this with you. In particular, clarifying the specifics of your request to clearly identify the documents
you are seeking, and how payment of the application fee can be paid. As is it stands the Application Fee
has not yet been paid.
Given that your request is not a valid request as this stage, the process associated with a Freedom of
Information request has not commenced and therefore I am unable to conduct of a review of the process.
I understand a Council Officer has made several attempts to assist you in making this a valid request.
If you are still of the view that your request has not been handled appropriately you may wish to lodge a
complaint with the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC). OVIC is the independent
regulator with oversight of information access and information privacy and can be contacted as shown
below:
Address: PO Box 24274, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001
Phone Number: 1300 006 842 (1300 00 OVIC)
Email: xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xxx.xx
Website: https://ovic.vic.gov.au/
Yours sincerely,
Mick Cummins
Chief Executive Officer
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