Correspondence relating to electronic cigarettes (Australian Medical Association)

Mary Montagu made this Freedom of Information request to Therapeutic Goods Administration

This request has been closed to new correspondence from the public body. Contact us if you think it ought be re-opened.

The request was refused by Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Dear Therapeutic Goods Administration,

I write to request copies of all correspondence between the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Medical Association on the topic of electronic cigarettes sent or received between 15 December 2020 and 15 June 2021 (inclusive).

Yours faithfully,

Mary

TGA FOI, Therapeutic Goods Administration

4 Attachments

Dear Mary

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST – NOTIFICATION OF RECEIPT

I am writing to notify you that the Department of Health (Department) has
received your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

                “I write to request copies of all correspondence between
the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Medical
Association on the topic of electronic cigarettes sent or received between
15 December 2020 and 15 June 2021 (inclusive).”

Under section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, the agency has 30 calendar days
after the date your request was received in which to provide a decision in
response to your request for access. A decision is currently due on or
before 15 July 2021.

However, where there is requirement to undertake consultation with
affected third parties, this timeframe is extended by a further 30 days.
It may also be extended in certain circumstances, including with your
agreement or where the Department applies to the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner for an extension.

 

In addition, please note that if the decision maker decides that you are
liable to pay a charge in relation to your request then this timeframe is
extended pending payment of a deposit. You will be notified by the
Department if you are liable to pay a charge and/or if third party
consultation is required.

 

PROCESSING YOUR REQUEST

To assist us to streamline the processing of your request we ask you to
consider and respond to the following questions.

 

1.       Personal Information

Documents containing personal information, (e.g. the names and contact
details of any individuals, or any information that could reasonably
identify an individual) may require the Department to consult with the
identified individuals or parties. This consultation is likely to add to
the time taken to process your request, and potentially increase the
charge imposed on you.

 

We would therefore be grateful if you could confirm if you are seeking
access to personal information in the documents (e.g. names, contact
details, addresses) relating to:

·         third parties; and

·         Commonwealth staff (please note that unless you advise
otherwise, we will assume that you do not seek access to personal
information of Commonwealth employees below Senior Executive Service
level).

 

If you are not seeking access to any personal information, you can simply
reply: 'no personal information requested'.

 

If you are seeking access to specific types of personal information,
please specify the type of personal information you require.

 

2.       Duplicate Documents

Under section 4(1) of the FOI Act, the definition of a document includes
‘any copy, including an part of any copy, of a reproduction or duplicate’.
Confirmation that you are not seeking duplicate documents may enable more
timely and less costly processing of your request.

 

Can you please clarify if you are seeking duplicate copies, either in part
or in full, as part of your request?

 

If you are not seeking access to duplicate documents, you can simply
respond: ‘no duplicates requested’.

 

We look forward to hearing from you by Wednesday 23 June 2021, if
possible.

If you have any queries, please contact the FOI team on (02) 6289 4630, or
via email at [1][email address].

Kind regards

Christina

 

Freedom of Information

[2]cid:image001.png@01D54DDB.C1CF42E0

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [3][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [4]www.tga.gov.au

 

[5]cid:image002.png@01D55CBC.5655D390[6]cid:image003.gif@01D55CBC.5655D390[7]cid:image004.png@01D55CBC.5655D390

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present. 

 

"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. 
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. http://www.tga.gov.au/
5. https://www.facebook.com/TGAgovau/
6. https://twitter.com/TGAgovau
7. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCem9INJ...

Dear TGA FOI,

No personal information requested.

No duplicates requested.

Yours sincerely,

Mary

TGA FOI, Therapeutic Goods Administration

5 Attachments

Dear Mary

I am writing to notify you that the Department of Health (Department) has
received your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

To assist us in processing your request, we ask that you confirm if you
require any personal information and/or information of third parties.

 

If you are not seeking access to any personal/third party information, you
can simply reply: 'no personal information requested/no third party
information requested'.

 

If you are seeking access to specific types of personal/third party
information, please specify the type of personal/third party information
you require.

 

Additionally, could you please also confirm if you are seeking duplicate
copies either in part or full, as part of your request? Please see below
for further clarification of duplicate documents.

 

If you are not seeking access to duplicate documents, you can simply
respond: ‘no duplicates requested’.

 

We look forward to hearing from you by no later than Friday 2 July 2021.

 

Kind regards

Christina

 

Freedom of Information

[1]cid:image001.png@01D54DDB.C1CF42E0

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [2][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [3]www.tga.gov.au

 

[4]cid:image002.png@01D55CBC.5655D390[5]cid:image003.gif@01D55CBC.5655D390[6]cid:image004.png@01D55CBC.5655D390

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

 

From: TGA FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 21 June 2021 12:46 PM
To: '[FOI #7512 email]'
<[FOI #7512 email]>
Cc: TGA FOI <[email address]>
Subject: FOI 2441 - Notification of receipt and next steps [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Dear Mary

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST – NOTIFICATION OF RECEIPT

I am writing to notify you that the Department of Health (Department) has
received your request for access to documents under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

                “I write to request copies of all correspondence between
the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Australian Medical
Association on the topic of electronic cigarettes sent or received between
15 December 2020 and 15 June 2021 (inclusive).”

Under section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, the agency has 30 calendar days
after the date your request was received in which to provide a decision in
response to your request for access. A decision is currently due on or
before 15 July 2021.

However, where there is requirement to undertake consultation with
affected third parties, this timeframe is extended by a further 30 days.
It may also be extended in certain circumstances, including with your
agreement or where the Department applies to the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner for an extension.

 

In addition, please note that if the decision maker decides that you are
liable to pay a charge in relation to your request then this timeframe is
extended pending payment of a deposit. You will be notified by the
Department if you are liable to pay a charge and/or if third party
consultation is required.

 

PROCESSING YOUR REQUEST

To assist us to streamline the processing of your request we ask you to
consider and respond to the following questions.

 

1.       Personal Information

Documents containing personal information, (e.g. the names and contact
details of any individuals, or any information that could reasonably
identify an individual) may require the Department to consult with the
identified individuals or parties. This consultation is likely to add to
the time taken to process your request, and potentially increase the
charge imposed on you.

 

We would therefore be grateful if you could confirm if you are seeking
access to personal information in the documents (e.g. names, contact
details, addresses) relating to:

·         third parties; and

·         Commonwealth staff (please note that unless you advise
otherwise, we will assume that you do not seek access to personal
information of Commonwealth employees below Senior Executive Service
level).

 

If you are not seeking access to any personal information, you can simply
reply: 'no personal information requested'.

 

If you are seeking access to specific types of personal information,
please specify the type of personal information you require.

 

2.       Duplicate Documents

Under section 4(1) of the FOI Act, the definition of a document includes
‘any copy, including an part of any copy, of a reproduction or duplicate’.
Confirmation that you are not seeking duplicate documents may enable more
timely and less costly processing of your request.

 

Can you please clarify if you are seeking duplicate copies, either in part
or in full, as part of your request?

 

If you are not seeking access to duplicate documents, you can simply
respond: ‘no duplicates requested’.

 

We look forward to hearing from you by Wednesday 23 June 2021, if
possible.

If you have any queries, please contact the FOI team on (02) 6289 4630, or
via email at [7][email address].

Kind regards

Christina

 

Freedom of Information

[8]cid:image001.png@01D54DDB.C1CF42E0

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [9][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [10]www.tga.gov.au

 

[11]cid:image002.png@01D55CBC.5655D390[12]cid:image003.gif@01D55CBC.5655D390[13]cid:image004.png@01D55CBC.5655D390

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present. 

 

"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. 
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."

References

Visible links
2. mailto:[email address]
3. http://www.tga.gov.au/
4. https://www.facebook.com/TGAgovau/
5. https://twitter.com/TGAgovau
6. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCem9INJ...
7. mailto:[email address]
9. mailto:[email address]
10. http://www.tga.gov.au/
11. https://www.facebook.com/TGAgovau/
12. https://twitter.com/TGAgovau
13. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCem9INJ...

Therapeutic Goods Administration

2 Attachments

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TGA FOI, Therapeutic Goods Administration

6 Attachments

Dear Ms Montagu,

 

Please find attached correspondence in relation to your Freedom of
Information request.

 

As set out in the attached correspondence, we seek your response within 14
days, being 21 July 2021.

 

Pursuant to section 24AB(8) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982, the
statutory timeframe for processing your request is set aside during this
consultation process.

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Team.

 

Kind regards

 

Freedom of Information

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [1][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [2]www.tga.gov.au

 

[3][IMG][4][IMG][5][IMG]

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present. 

 

"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. 
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.tga.gov.au/
3. https://www.facebook.com/TGAgovau/
4. https://twitter.com/TGAgovau
5. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCem9INJ...

TGA FOI, Therapeutic Goods Administration

7 Attachments

Dear Ms Montague,

 Thank you for your response dated 14 July 2021 (copied below).  The
relevant line area is currently considering your proposed revision of
scope to determine whether the practical refusal reason still exists.

“ I write to request copies of all correspondence between the Therapeutic
Goods Administration or its representatives and the Australian Medical
Association or its representatives on the topic of electronic cigarettes
sent or received between 14 June 2020 and 14 June 2021 (inclusive).

 

I am not seeking personal information, nor am I seeking duplicates.”

Given the time which has elapsed, and recognising that the request
consultation period is due to expire this Wednesday (21 July 2021), I
would be grateful if you would consider extending the consultation period
under section 24AB(5) of the FOI Act, by fourteen (14) days, to allow
adequate time for the line area to properly consider your response and so
that we can determine whether the revision allows us to continue
processing your request.

I apologise for the short time frame but I would appreciate your response
by COB tomorrow (Tuesday 20 July 2021).

I appreciate your consideration of this request. 

Kind regards
Tara

Freedom of Information

David | Karen | Tara | Cindy| Christina

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [1][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [2]www.tga.gov.au

 

[3][IMG][4][IMG][5][IMG]

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

 

show quoted sections

TGA FOI, Therapeutic Goods Administration

7 Attachments

Dear Ms Montague,

 Thank you for your response dated 14 July 2021 (copied below).  The
relevant line area is currently considering your proposed revision of
scope to determine whether the practical refusal reason still exists.

“ I write to request copies of all correspondence between the Therapeutic
Goods Administration or its representatives and the Australian Medical
Association or its representatives on the topic of electronic cigarettes
sent or received between 14 June 2020 and 14 June 2021 (inclusive).

 

I am not seeking personal information, nor am I seeking duplicates.”

Given the time which has elapsed, and recognising that the request
consultation period is due to expire this Wednesday (21 July 2021), I
would be grateful if you would consider extending the consultation period
under section 24AB(5) of the FOI Act, by fourteen (14) days, to allow
adequate time for the line area to properly consider your response and so
that we can determine whether the revision allows us to continue
processing your request.

I apologise for the short time frame but I would appreciate your response
by COB tomorrow (Tuesday 20 July 2021).

I appreciate your consideration of this request. 

Kind regards
Tara

Freedom of Information

David | Karen | Tara | Cindy| Christina

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [1][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [2]www.tga.gov.au

 

[3][IMG][4][IMG][5][IMG]

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

 

show quoted sections

TGA FOI, Therapeutic Goods Administration

7 Attachments

Good afternoon Ms Montagu,

 

Please see attached decision letter regarding your request.

 

Regards

David

 

Freedom of Information

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [1][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [2]www.tga.gov.au

 

[3][IMG][4][IMG][5][IMG]

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

 

From: TGA FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 19 July 2021 11:43 AM
To: '[email address]'
<[email address]>
Cc: '[FOI #7512 email]'
<[FOI #7512 email]>
Subject: For response: Request consultation - FOI 2441 - Request for
extension [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Dear Ms Montague,

 Thank you for your response dated 14 July 2021 (copied below).  The
relevant line area is currently considering your proposed revision of
scope to determine whether the practical refusal reason still exists.

“ I write to request copies of all correspondence between the Therapeutic
Goods Administration or its representatives and the Australian Medical
Association or its representatives on the topic of electronic cigarettes
sent or received between 14 June 2020 and 14 June 2021 (inclusive).

 

I am not seeking personal information, nor am I seeking duplicates.”

Given the time which has elapsed, and recognising that the request
consultation period is due to expire this Wednesday (21 July 2021), I
would be grateful if you would consider extending the consultation period
under section 24AB(5) of the FOI Act, by fourteen (14) days, to allow
adequate time for the line area to properly consider your response and so
that we can determine whether the revision allows us to continue
processing your request.

I apologise for the short time frame but I would appreciate your response
by COB tomorrow (Tuesday 20 July 2021).

I appreciate your consideration of this request. 

Kind regards
Tara

Freedom of Information

David | Karen | Tara | Cindy| Christina

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [6][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [7]www.tga.gov.au

 

[8][IMG][9][IMG][10][IMG]

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

 

show quoted sections

TGA FOI, Therapeutic Goods Administration

7 Attachments

Good afternoon Ms Montagu,

 

Please see attached decision letter regarding your request.

 

Regards

David

 

Freedom of Information

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [1][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [2]www.tga.gov.au

 

[3][IMG][4][IMG][5][IMG]

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

 

From: TGA FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Monday, 19 July 2021 11:43 AM
To: '[email address]'
<[email address]>
Cc: '[FOI #7512 email]'
<[FOI #7512 email]>
Subject: For response: Request consultation - FOI 2441 - Request for
extension [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Dear Ms Montague,

 Thank you for your response dated 14 July 2021 (copied below).  The
relevant line area is currently considering your proposed revision of
scope to determine whether the practical refusal reason still exists.

“ I write to request copies of all correspondence between the Therapeutic
Goods Administration or its representatives and the Australian Medical
Association or its representatives on the topic of electronic cigarettes
sent or received between 14 June 2020 and 14 June 2021 (inclusive).

 

I am not seeking personal information, nor am I seeking duplicates.”

Given the time which has elapsed, and recognising that the request
consultation period is due to expire this Wednesday (21 July 2021), I
would be grateful if you would consider extending the consultation period
under section 24AB(5) of the FOI Act, by fourteen (14) days, to allow
adequate time for the line area to properly consider your response and so
that we can determine whether the revision allows us to continue
processing your request.

I apologise for the short time frame but I would appreciate your response
by COB tomorrow (Tuesday 20 July 2021).

I appreciate your consideration of this request. 

Kind regards
Tara

Freedom of Information

David | Karen | Tara | Cindy| Christina

Therapeutic Goods Administration

Australian Government Department of Health

T: 02 6289 4630 | E: [6][email address]

PO Box 100, Woden ACT 2606, Australia

Web: [7]www.tga.gov.au

 

[8][IMG][9][IMG][10][IMG]

 

Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee
and may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are
not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination
of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you receive this
transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all
copies of this transmission.

 

The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of
Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

 

show quoted sections