Download original attachment
(PDF file)

This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Seeking documents concerning handling of an inquiry lodged in February for information about issue of penalty notices for breach of Archives Act that has never been answered.'.





FOI 161 
OFFICIAL 
From: s 47F(1) On Behalf Of FOI 
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 12:37 PM 
To: s 47F(1)
 FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx> 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
 
Subject: RE: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Hi s 47F(1)  
I am sorry for the short timeframe.  I regularly check the FOI mailbox and actioned the email request as soon as I 
was alerted to it. 
s 22(1)
 
  However, please rest assured I have forwarded this message to 
you as soon as I could humanly do under the circumstances.  It also does not assist that my team is understaffed as 
well.  
Given this is a timeframe which has come from a client, I would be happy to contact them to ask for an extension if 
this would assist. 
I appreciate this request has caused a direct inconvenience to you and your team. 
I look forward to hearing from you. 
Kind regards, 
s 47F(1)  
OFFICIAL 
From: s 47F(1)
  
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 12:27 PM 
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx> 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
 
Subject: RE: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
s 47F(1)  
This is a very short timeframe, and we, as the responding area, seem to have lost one day out of it all already. I am 
away this afternoon but s 47F(1)
 and my other ADs will work on the possible response today and we’ll 
compare notes tomorrow. 
s 47C(1)
 
Thanks, 
s 47F(1)  
s 47F(1)
 
Director, Government Records Assurance 
Data and Digital Branch 
5
Page 5 of 60

FOI 161 
The date by which you should respond is: 25/03/2022 04:00 PM 
Thank you for your assistance  
Client contact information is as follows: 
Preferred contact method: By email 
Name: Peter Timmins 
Email address: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
Country: Australia 
Details of the reference inquiry: 
Research topic: For publication, could you please respond to these questions by COB 16 February: 
How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff member 
or public servant ? 
If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when was 
the most recent investigation? 
Thank you 
Peter Timmins 
@FOIguru 
http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
0413256777 
Item information is as follows:  
7
Page 7 of 60



FOI 161 
From: s 47F(1) On Behalf Of FOI 
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2022 1:34 PM 
To: s 47F(1)
; FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx> 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
 
Subject: RE: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Hi s 47F(1)  
Thank you for this information.   
s 47F(1), s 47C(1)
 
 
   
 
 
Kind regards 
s 47F(1)  
OFFICIAL 
From: s 47F(1)
  
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2022 12:53 PM 
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx> 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
 
Subject: RE: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Thanks, s 47F(1)  
I’ve had another look at this and think we won’t be able to answer this by end of today. As you say, it is just an 
inquiry and not an FOI request. As you can see form the below twitter post the inquirer has understood that our 
usual response to reference inquiries is 30 days, as advised by Reference below. 
While we working on the response, I would like us to confer with s 47F(1) as well, hopefully, tomorrow. s 47C(1)
 
 
Perhaps you could check with s 47F(1)  on his thoughts on how best to proceed with this. 
Thanks, 
s 47F(1)  
OFFICIAL 
4
Page 11 of 60


FOI 161 
OFFICIAL 
From: s 47F(1) On Behalf Of FOI 
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 11:27 AM 
To: s 47F(1)
 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
Subject: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Hi s 47F(1)  
The Reference section received the following request relating to s24 of the Archives Act.  The Reference section has 
referred to be me to answer.  Its not really an FOI request, but I would be grateful if you can assist if providing some 
information. 
s 47C(1)
 
 
Kind regards, 
s 47F(1)   
OFFICIAL 
From: xxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx <xxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>  
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2022 1:50 PM 
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx> 
Subject: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Reference: NAA1000336523 
The following inquiry has been redirected to you by the National Reference Service. All information known about it is listed below, 
including the client's direct contact details. Please provide an answer directly to the client. If you have any questions regarding this 
redirection, please contact s 47F(1)
ie . 
Our instructions: Hi there, 
This one came into reference but we are unable to assist with it. 
Hoping you are able to assist. 
Thanks, 
s 47F(1)  
The date by which you should respond is: 25/03/2022 04:00 PM 
Thank you for your assistance  
Client contact information is as follows: 
Preferred contact method: By email 
Name: Peter Timmins 
Email address: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
Country: Australia 
7
Page 14 of 60
FOI 161 
Details of the reference inquiry: 
Research topic: For publication, could you please respond to these questions by COB 16 February: 
How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff member 
or public servant ? 
If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when was 
the most recent investigation? 
Thank you 
Peter Timmins 
@FOIguru 
http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
0413256777 
Item information is as follows:  
8
Page 15 of 60

FOI 161 
The following inquiry has been redirected to you by the National Reference Service. All information known about it is listed below, 
including the client's direct contact details. Please provide an answer directly to the client and copy me into your response at 
s 47F(1)
. If you have any questions regarding this redirection, please contact URGENT INQUIRIES . 
Our instructions: Hi FOI, 
The original inquiry was forwarded on on 14 February, and the client is now following up. It's not something Reference can assist 
with, can you please provide the client an update? 
Many thanks, 
s 47F(1)  
The date by which you should respond is: 26/04/2022 04:00 PM 
Thank you for your assistance  
URGENT INQUIRIES 
Reference Officer 
National Reference Service 
Client contact information is as follows: 
Preferred contact method: By email 
Name: Peter Timmins 
Email address: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
Country: Australia 
Details of the reference inquiry: 
Research topic: Hello Archives, 
My deadline came and went….. 
But can you tell me anything in response to these questions-and if not now when might I expect to hear from you? 
Thanks. 
Peter 
> On 11 Feb 2022, at 2:28 pm, Peter Timmins <xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx> wrote:
>
> For publication, could you please respond to these questions by COB 16 February:
> 
> How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff
member or public servant ? 
> 
> If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
> 
> If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
> 
> If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when 
was the most recent investigation? 
> 
> Thank you 
> 
> Peter Timmins 
> @FOIguru
> http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
> 0413256777
>
> 
> 
2
Page 17 of 60
FOI 161 
> 
> 
Item information is as follows:  
If you have received this transmission in error please notify us immediately by return e-mail and delete all copies.  
If this e-mail or any attachments have been sent to you in error, that error does not constitute waiver of any 
confidentiality, privilege or copyright in respect of information in the e-mail or attachments.  
If you have received this transmission in error please notify us immediately by return e‐mail and delete all copies. If 
this e‐mail or any attachments have been sent to you in error, that error does not constitute waiver of any 
confidentiality, privilege or copyright in respect of information in the e‐mail or attachments. 
3
Page 18 of 60



FOI 161 
From: s 47F(1)   
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2022 12:28 PM 
To: s 47F(1)
 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
 
Subject: RE: RE: first draft response NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Pondering on this  ‐ should we advise FOI we can’t reply today but will reply asap and that we will seek s 47F(1) advice 
on any response s 47C(1)
 
 
OFFICIAL 
From: s 47F(1)   
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2022 12:18 PM 
To: s 47F(1)
 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
 
Subject: FW: RE: first draft response NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Im going to preface this by saying I haven’t looked at s 47F(1) response and not an expert in this being relatively 
new (rejoining) the section 
s 47E(d)
 
 
 
 
Peter Timmins twitter account [Aust lawyer, retired former diplomat, long time FOI specialist and advocate for open 
government]. ‐  Peter Timmins (@foiguru) / Twitter 
Peter Timmins 
Timmins@foiguru∙14 Feb As those shredders get dusted off in ministerial offices ,I've asked @naagovau how many 
penalty notices have been issued under Section 24 and for a few more details. The (automated) acknowledgement 
says they'll get back to me within 30 business days. I was hoping by Wednesday😡 
Barbara Reed has replied to this BarbaraReed on Twitter: "We can't throw stones here in Oz, but this is an 
interesting article https://t.co/QCQZt8RlQW" / Twitter 
OFFICIAL 
From: s 47F(1)   
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2022 11:03 AM 
To: s 47F(1)
 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
Subject: FW: RE: first draft response NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Hi all,  
2
Page 22 of 60
s 47C(1), s 47E(d)
 
 
 
s 47E(d)
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Feel free to adjust as needed.  
Cheers, 
s 47F(1)  
How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff member 
or public servant ? 
s 47C(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
s 47E(d)  
If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
s 47E(d)  
If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when was 
the most recent investigation? 
Every Commonwealth Institution is responsible for their observance and compliance with Section 24 of the 
s 47C(1), s 47E(d)
 
 
 
 
   
3
Page 23 of 60


To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx> 
Subject: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Reference: NAA1000336523 
The following inquiry has been redirected to you by the National Reference Service. All information known about it is listed below, 
including the client's direct contact details. Please provide an answer directly to the client. If you have any questions regarding this 
redirection, please contact s 47F(1)
 . 
Our instructions: Hi there, 
This one came into reference but we are unable to assist with it. 
Hoping you are able to assist. 
Thanks, 
s 47F(1)  
The date by which you should respond is: 25/03/2022 04:00 PM 
Thank you for your assistance  
Client contact information is as follows: 
Preferred contact method: By email 
Name: Peter Timmins 
Email address: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
Country: Australia 
Details of the reference inquiry: 
Research topic: For publication, could you please respond to these questions by COB 16 February: 
How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff member 
or public servant ? 
If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when was 
the most recent investigation? 
Thank you 
Peter Timmins 
@FOIguru 
http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
0413256777 
Item information is as follows:  
6
Page 26 of 60


OFFICIAL 
Hi s 47F(1)  
The Reference section received the following request relating to s24 of the Archives Act.  The Reference section has 
referred to be me to answer.  Its not really an FOI request, but I would be grateful if you can assist if providing some 
information. 
s 47C(1)
 
Kind regards, 
s 47F(1)   
OFFICIAL 
From: xxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx <xxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>  
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2022 1:50 PM 
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx> 
Subject: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Reference: NAA1000336523 
The following inquiry has been redirected to you by the National Reference Service. All information known about it is listed below, 
including the client's direct contact details. Please provide an answer directly to the client. If you have any questions regarding this 
redirection, please contact s 47F(1)
 . 
Our instructions: Hi there, 
This one came into reference but we are unable to assist with it. 
Hoping you are able to assist. 
Thanks, 
s 47F(1)  
The date by which you should respond is: 25/03/2022 04:00 PM 
Thank you for your assistance  
Client contact information is as follows: 
Preferred contact method: By email 
Name: Peter Timmins 
Email address: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
Country: Australia 
Details of the reference inquiry: 
Research topic: For publication, could you please respond to these questions by COB 16 February: 
How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff member 
or public servant ? 
If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
3
Page 29 of 60
If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when was 
the most recent investigation? 
Thank you 
Peter Timmins 
@FOIguru 
http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
0413256777 
Item information is as follows:  
4
Page 30 of 60


DOCUMENT 10
s 22(1)
s 22(1)
s 22(1)

s 22(1)
2
Page 37 of 60



DOCUMENT 15
s 22(1)
s 22(1)
s 22(1)
s 22(1)
s 22(1)
s 22(1)


How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff member 
or public servant ? 
s 47E(d)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
s 47E(d)  
If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
s 47E(d)  
If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when was 
the most recent investigation? 
s 47E(d)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
  
OFFICIAL 
From: s 47F(1)
  
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 3:11 PM 
To: s 47F(1)
 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
Subject: RE: first draft response NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Some notes and a first stab at a response: 
s 47E(d)
 
 
 
2
Page 49 of 60

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of this land and celebrate their 
ongoing culture and contribution to society. 
OFFICIAL 
From: s 47F(1) On Behalf Of FOI 
Sent: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 11:27 AM 
To: s 47F(1)
 
Cc: s 47F(1)
 
Subject: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Hi s 47F(1)  
The Reference section received the following request relating to s24 of the Archives Act.  The Reference section has 
referred to be me to answer.  Its not really an FOI request, but I would be grateful if you can assist if providing some 
information. 
s 47C(1)
 
Kind regards, 
s 47F(1)   
OFFICIAL 
From: xxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx <xxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>  
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2022 1:50 PM 
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx> 
Subject: NAA1000336523 Redirected question Reference ‐ general [SEC=OFFICIAL] 
OFFICIAL 
Reference: NAA1000336523 
The following inquiry has been redirected to you by the National Reference Service. All information known about it is listed below, 
including the client's direct contact details. Please provide an answer directly to the client. If you have any questions regarding this 
redirection, please contact s 47F(1)
 . 
Our instructions: Hi there, 
This one came into reference but we are unable to assist with it. 
Hoping you are able to assist. 
Thanks, 
s 47F(1)  
The date by which you should respond is: 25/03/2022 04:00 PM 
Thank you for your assistance  
Client contact information is as follows: 
4
Page 51 of 60
Preferred contact method: By email 
Name: Peter Timmins 
Email address: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
Country: Australia 
Details of the reference inquiry: 
Research topic: For publication, could you please respond to these questions by COB 16 February: 
How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff member 
or public servant ? 
If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when was 
the most recent investigation? 
Thank you 
Peter Timmins 
@FOIguru 
http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
0413256777 
Item information is as follows:  
5
Page 52 of 60

> If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories?
>
> If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties?
> 
> If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when
was the most recent investigation? 
> 
> Thank you 
> 
> Peter Timmins 
> @FOIguru
> http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
> 0413256777
>
> 
> 
> 
> 
Item information is as follows:  
2
Page 54 of 60

Email address: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
Country: Australia 
Details of the reference inquiry: 
Research topic: Hello Archives, 
My deadline came and went….. 
But can you tell me anything in response to these questions-and if not now when might I expect to hear from you? 
Thanks. 
Peter 
> On 11 Feb 2022, at 2:28 pm, Peter Timmins <xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx> wrote:
>
> For publication, could you please respond to these questions by COB 16 February:
> 
> How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff
member or public servant ? 
> 
> If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
> 
> If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
> 
> If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when 
was the most recent investigation? 
> 
> Thank you 
> 
> Peter Timmins 
> @FOIguru
> http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
> 0413256777
>
> 
> 
> 
> 
Item information is as follows:  
2
Page 56 of 60

> 
> If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when 
was the most recent investigation? 
> 
> Thank you 
> 
> Peter Timmins 
> @FOIguru
> http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
> 0413256777
>
> 
> 
> 
> 
Item information is as follows:  
2
Page 58 of 60

Preferred contact method: By email 
Name: Peter Timmins 
Email address: xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx 
Country: Australia 
Details of the reference inquiry: 
Research topic: Hello Archives, 
My deadline came and went….. 
But can you tell me anything in response to these questions-and if not now when might I expect to hear from you? 
Thanks. 
Peter 
> On 11 Feb 2022, at 2:28 pm, Peter Timmins <xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx> wrote:
>
> For publication, could you please respond to these questions by COB 16 February:
> 
> How many infringement notices have been issued under Section 24 of the Archives Act to a minister, former minister, staff
member or public servant ? 
> 
> If notices have been issued, what are the dates of the latest notices and the names of the persons in each of those categories? 
> 
> If any issued notices resulted in court proceedings, what are the names of parties? 
> 
> If no notices have been issued, how many investigations of possible breaches of Section 24 have been undertaken, and when 
was the most recent investigation? 
> 
> Thank you 
> 
> Peter Timmins 
> @FOIguru
> http://xxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx.xx
> 0413256777
>
> 
> 
> 
> 
Item information is as follows:  
2
Page 60 of 60