Dear Alby

 

I refer to your FOI request of 11 November 2020 (attached) to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (the department) for access to fraud and audit committee reports.

 

As you are aware, the department sought an extension under section 15AA of the FOI Act from you  however, we have not received confirmation of your agreement to an extension. 

 

As such, your request has been deemed refused, as the department has not provided you a decision within the statutory timeframe.

 

Current status of your FOI request

 

As discussed with you on 5 March 2020, the department is experiencing an unusually high volume of FOI requests relating to this subject matter, and  the resulting limited capacity of subject matter experts to assist with  the review of the information.

 

The department still intends to issue you a decision in relation to your FOI request. At this time, I anticipate this will be on or before 24 December 2020.

 

I will keep you updated as the matter progresses.

 

If you have any questions, please contact the FOI team.