INFORMATION ABOUT REVIEWS AND COMPLAINTS UNDER
THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
What should I do prior to applying for internal review or contacting the Office of the
Australian Information Commissioner?
Before you apply for an internal review or contact the Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner, the Tribunal recommends that you telephone the officer who made the decision that
you are not satisfied with. It is often possible to resolve concerns or answer your questions using this
approach and, if not, the officer will be able to assist you in applying for review.
How do I apply for internal review to the Tribunal?
You can apply to the Tribunal for an internal review of the decision. The application for internal
review must be made within 30 days or such further period as the Tribunal allows, after the day the
decision is notified to you. To apply for an internal review you must do so in writing. You may also
wish to explain why you are not satisfied with the decision. A different and senior officer authorised
under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) will conduct the internal review and make
a new decision within 30 days after receipt of your application.
If you have already applied for internal review and want to seek a further review of that decision,
you will need to apply to the Australian Information Commissioner.
How do I apply for review to the Australian Information Commissioner?
You may also apply directly to the Australian Information Commissioner for review of the decision.
The application for review must be made within 60 days after the day notice of the decision was
given. An application for review must be in writing, include details of how notices in relation to the
review are to be sent to you and include a copy of the decision. You may also wish to explain why
you are not satisfied with the decision. An online application form is available on the Office of the
Australian Information Commissioner’s website, details of which are provided below.
What if I want to make a complaint about the handling of a Freedom of Information request?
If you have a complaint about the way in which the Tribunal has processed your request for access
under the FOI Act you can ask the Australian Information Commissioner to investigate. Complaints
must be made in writing and identify the Tribunal as the agency in respect of which the complaint is
made. You should explain the circumstances surrounding your complaint. An online complaint form
is available on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website, details of which
are provided below.
Where can I find further information or contact details for the Office of the Australian
MR12 (October 2014)
Information Commissioner?
Further information is available on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website
at www.oaic.gov.au and you can contact the office on 1300 363 992 or by email at
xxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx.
MR12 (March 2014)
