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Department Reference: FOI 1958
J M
Via email:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Dear J M
NOTICE OF DECISION UNDER SECTION 24A
OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 1982
I refer to your request of 10 September 2020 to the Department of Health
(the department) seeking access under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act)
to the following documents:
Under the FOI Act I am requesting a summary report of all Covid-19 (SARS
Coronavirus nCoV-2) deaths with ANY co-morbidities listed on death certificates and
what those co-morbidities were, and additional summary of those where covid-19 was
listed as the only cause.
This is for the specific reason of analytical data extrapolation to segregate those who are
most at risk and subsequent help this will provide the public when making seemingly
trivial but life-threatening decisions while going about their business.
I am seeking the aforementioned information with a request to waive all fees due to the
immense public interest this information pertains to, furthermore due to these pressing
and unprecedented times.
FOI Decision
I am authorised under subsection 23(1) of the Act to make decisions in relation to
Freedom of Information requests. I am writing to notify you of my decision on your
request.
Appropriate steps have been taken to find the document referred to in your request
including searches of departmental file management systems.
Freedom of Information Unit (MDP 516) GPO Box 9848 Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6289 1666 ABN: 83 605 426 759
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I am satisfied, on the basis of the searches conducted, that the department does not
hold the document referred to in your request.
As a consequence, relying on section 24A of the Act, I cannot provide access to the
documents you requested.
FOI review rights
If you are dissatisfied with my decision, you may apply for a review.
Internal review
Under section 54 of the Act, you may apply in writing to the department for an
internal review of my decision. The internal review application must be made within
30 days of the date of this notice (or such further period as the department allows).
To assist in the internal review process, please provide reasons you consider review
of my decision is necessary. The internal review will be carried out by another officer
of this department within 30 days of receipt of your application.
An application for an internal review should be sent to:
Email:
xxx@xxxxxx.xxx.xx
Mail:
FOI Unit (MDP 516)
Department of Health
GPO Box 9848
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Information Commissioner review
Alternatively, under section 54L of the Act, you may apply to the Office of the
Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for review of my decision by the
Information Commissioner. An application for review must be made in writing
within 60 days of this notice (if you do not request an internal review).
More information about Information Commissioner reviews is available on the
OAIC website at:
https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/reviews/
The OAIC can be contacted by:
Email:
xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
Phone:
1300 363 992
You may also make a complaint to the OAIC about action taken by the department
in relation to your application. Further information about this process is available on
the OAIC website.
Freedom of Information Unit (MDP 516) GPO Box 9848 Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6289 1666 ABN: 83 605 426 759
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Relevant provisions of the Act
The Act, including the provisions referred to in this letter, can be accessed from the
Federal Register of Legislation website:
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2020C00246
Additional information
While the department does not hold the document requested, the following
information, provided outside the Act, may be of assistance to you.
The department’s website hosts information, including Australian statistics about
COVID-19. The
Coronavirus (COVID-19) current situation and case numbers site
provides regular updates on COVID-19 cases, including information about the
number of COVID-19 related deaths by State and Territory. That document can be
accessed here:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-
health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-current-situation-and-case-numbers
The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System co-ordinates the national
surveillance of more than 50 communicable diseases or disease groups in Australia.
Under this scheme, notifications are made to the relevant States or Territory health
authority under the provisions of the public health legislation in their jurisdiction.
Summary data for each State and Territory from 1991 to the present is available here:
http://www9.health.gov.au/cda/source/cda-index.cfm
In addition, the internet hosts a range of information about COVID-19, including
deaths and recovery rates. For example, information about case numbers, deaths and
cases around the world is available on the World Health Organisation website:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Contacts
If you require clarification of any of the matters discussed in this letter you should
contact the department’s Freedom of Information Unit on (02) 6289 1666 or at
xxx@xxxxxx.xxx.xx.
Yours sincerely
K. Bishop
Acting Assistant Secretary
Legal Advice and Legislation Branch
8 October 2020
Freedom of Information Unit (MDP 516) GPO Box 9848 Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: (02) 6289 1666 ABN: 83 605 426 759
