This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'introduction of Boat IDs'.


 
 
 
25 June 2021 
Mr L Bacon 
BY EMAIL:  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
In reply please quote: 
FOI Request:  FA 21/06/00057 
File Number: 
OBJ2021/16277   
Dear Mr Bacon 
Freedom of Information (FOI) request - Access Decision 
On 1 June 2021, the Department of Home  Affairs (the Department) received a request for access 
to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act). 
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with a decision on your request for access under the 
FOI Act. 

Scope of request 
You have requested access to the following documents: 
I would like to request documents that describe the initial introduction of the use of 
Boat IDs in Australia's immigration system, from the year of or proceeding their first 
use. 
 
These might be a emails or other correspondence discussing their proposed use, or 

plans/briefings/papers etc. that include or discuss the proposal. 
 
If these documents are already available publical y or were released in an earlier 

request, please simply direct me to them. Otherwise, please consider this a formal 
request under the Act. 

Authority to make decision 
I  am an officer authorised under section 23 of the FOI Act to make decisions in respect of 
requests to access documents or to amend or annotate records. 
 
 
 
6 Chan Street Belconnen ACT 2617 
PO Box 25 Belconnen ACT 2616 • Telephone: 02 8862 6565 • Fax: 02 6225 6970 • www.homeaffairs.gov.au 
 
 


 

Relevant material  
In reaching my decision I referred to the following:  
•  the terms of your request 
•  the FOI Act 
•  Guidelines published by the Office of the Information Commissioner under section 93A 
of the FOI Act (the FOI Guidelines) 
•  advice from Departmental officers with  responsibility for matters relating to the 
documents to which you sought access 

Documents in scope of request 
The Department has undertaken reasonable searches in relation to the documents you 
have requested access to. 
Searches 
Having regard to your request and the types of documents that may fall within the scope of 
your request I  am satisfied that the searches conducted were extremely thorough and all 
reasonable steps have been taken to locate any document relevant to your request. 

Decision 
Section 24A of the FOI Act provides that the Department may refuse a request for access 
to a document if all reasonable steps have been taken to find the document and the 
Department is satisfied that the document does not exist. 
I  have consulted with the relevant business area and have been advised that Boat IDs have 
been in use since well  before 2007 and while  detention adopted their use, they were  not 
developed or implemented by detention. The Boat ID links a person to a specific Suspected 
Il egal Entry Vessel (SIEV).  Having considered this response, I am satisfied that the 
Department has undertaken reasonable searches in relation to  your request and that no 
document was in the possession of the Department on 1 June 2021 when your FOI request 
was received.  As such I am refusing access to the documents requested by you based on 
the application of section 24A of the FOI Act 

Legislation 
A copy of the FOI Act  is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562. 
If  you are unable to access the legislation through this website, please contact our office 
for a copy. 

Your Review Rights 
Internal Review 
If  you disagree with this decision, you have the right to apply for an internal review by the 
Department of this decision.  Any request for internal review must be provided to the 
Department within 30  days of  you being notified of the decision.   Where possible please 
attach reasons why you believe a review of the decision is necessary.  The internal review 
wil   be carried out by an officer other than the original decision maker and the Department 
must make a review decision within 30 days.   
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Applications for review should be sent to: 
By email to: xxx.xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
OR 
By mail to: 
Freedom of Information Section 
Department of Home Affairs 
PO Box 25 
BELCONNEN   ACT  2617 
Review  by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner 
You may apply directly to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for 
a review of this decision.  You must apply in writing within 60 days of this notice.  For further 
information about review rights and how  to submit a request for a review to the OAIC, 
please see Fact Sheet 12 "Freedom of information – Your review rights", available online 
at https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/foi-review-process.   

Making a Complaint 
You may complain to the Australian Information Commissioner about action taken by the 
Department in relation to your request. 
Your enquiries to the Australian Information Commissioner can be directed to: 
Phone 1300 363 992 (local call charge) 
Email  xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx 
There is no particular form required to make a complaint to the Australian Information 
Commissioner. The request should be in writing and should set out the grounds on which 
it is considered that the action taken in relation to the request should be investigated and 
identify the Department of Home Affairs as the relevant agency. 

Contacting the FOI Section 
Should you wish to discuss this decision, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section 
at xxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx.  
 
 
 
[Electronically signed] 
 
  
Derek 
Position Number: 60007884 
Authorised Decision Maker 
Department of Home Affairs 
 
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