Engaging Labour Hire for Call Centre Duties
Dear Department of Veterans' Affairs,
May I please view a copy of the procurement documentation/out to market/tender in regards to seeking call centre staff services within the department (in the last 3 months).
May I please have a copy of the call centre staff services duties/description/role information outlining the service requirements of call centre staff (in the last 3 months).
Yours faithfully,
Penny
***Important message***
Thank you for your email.
Your email has been received by National Information Access Processing
Team within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Please note that we only action and respond to access requests made under
the following Acts:
· Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act)
· Privacy Act 1988
· [1]Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation (Defence-related
Claims) Act 1988
· [2]Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.
If your email is a request for documents under the FOI Act, we will
contact you within 14 days to acknowledge your request. Please do not send
duplicate emails as this may cause delays in response time-frames.
We are committed to processing all requests as quickly as possible. We
will contact you if there are any delays and if more time is needed to
finalise your request. Further information will be provided to you when
the Department responds to your request.
For more information about Information Access please visit the
Department’s website at [3]Freedom of information | Department of
Veterans' Affairs (dva.gov.au)
For more information about Freedom of Information generally, please visit
the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website at
[4]Freedom of information — OAIC
Important note: For matters not relating to Information Access, please
refer to the ‘Contact us’ page on the Department’s website at [5]Contact
us | Department of Veterans' Affairs (dva.gov.au)
Thank you.
National Information Access Processing Team
Client Access and Rehabilitation Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
References
Visible links
1. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C1...
2. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2...
3. https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/overview...
4. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
5. https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/contact...
Dear Penny
Freedom of Information Request: FOI 43595
I refer to your request for access to documents held by the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs (Department) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). Your request was received by the Department on 31 May 2021 and
was made in the following terms:
“…May I please view a copy of the procurement documentation/out to
market/tender in regards to seeking call centre staff services within the
department (in the last 3 months).
May I please have a copy of the call centre staff services
duties/description/role information outlining the service requirements of
call centre staff (in the last 3 months)..”
In accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, the due date for a
decision on your request is 30 June 2021.
When the processing period may be extended or suspended
The current due date may be extended by up to 30 days if agreed by you
(section 15AA of the FOI Act). Also, the due date may be extended by an
additional 30 days in each instance, if your request is considered
voluminous or complex (section 15AB of the FOI Act) or if the Department
is required to undertake a third party consultation (sections 26A, 27 or
27A of the FOI Act). If any of these extensions apply, the Department will
notify you.
We will write again when the Department has more information. Further
information on FOI processing can be found at the website of the Office of
the Australian Information Commissioner at [1]https://www.oaic.gov.au/.
Publication of documents
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log at
[2]https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/freedom...
subject to certain exceptions, such as if the documents relate to your own
personal information. The Department will advise you in its decision
whether details of your request will be published on the disclosure log or
not.
Contacting us about your request
We will contact you using the email address you have provided. Please
advise if you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the following details:
Post: Information Law Section, Legal Services & Audit Branch
GPO Box 9998 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Facsimile: (02) 6289 6337
Email: [3][email address]
Yours sincerely,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [4][email address] | [5]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[6]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
Dear Penny,
I would like to engage with you in an informal consultation regarding the
scope of FOI 43595.
Could you please clarify whether there is a specific business area of the
Department that this FOI request relates to. I note that each business
area in the Department undertakes their own tendering processes for the
roles required for their business areas. The job descriptions for these
positions may also differ depending on the needs of different Departmental
business areas.
As such I would be grateful if you could please confirm whether:
· Your FOI request is specific to one or more Departmental business
area(s); or
· Whether you are requesting information relevant to higher-level
procurement and labour hire processes.
I would be grateful for your response no later than COB 9 June 2021.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [1][email address] | [2]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[3]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Tuesday, 1 June 2021 4:41 PM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Acknowledgment of your FOI request – FOI 43595 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny
Freedom of Information Request: FOI 43595
I refer to your request for access to documents held by the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs (Department) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). Your request was received by the Department on 31 May 2021 and
was made in the following terms:
“…May I please view a copy of the procurement documentation/out to
market/tender in regards to seeking call centre staff services within the
department (in the last 3 months).
May I please have a copy of the call centre staff services
duties/description/role information outlining the service requirements of
call centre staff (in the last 3 months)..”
In accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, the due date for a
decision on your request is 30 June 2021.
When the processing period may be extended or suspended
The current due date may be extended by up to 30 days if agreed by you
(section 15AA of the FOI Act). Also, the due date may be extended by an
additional 30 days in each instance, if your request is considered
voluminous or complex (section 15AB of the FOI Act) or if the Department
is required to undertake a third party consultation (sections 26A, 27 or
27A of the FOI Act). If any of these extensions apply, the Department will
notify you.
We will write again when the Department has more information. Further
information on FOI processing can be found at the website of the Office of
the Australian Information Commissioner at [4]https://www.oaic.gov.au/.
Publication of documents
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log at
[5]https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/freedom...
subject to certain exceptions, such as if the documents relate to your own
personal information. The Department will advise you in its decision
whether details of your request will be published on the disclosure log or
not.
Contacting us about your request
We will contact you using the email address you have provided. Please
advise if you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the following details:
Post: Information Law Section, Legal Services & Audit Branch
GPO Box 9998 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Facsimile: (02) 6289 6337
Email: [6][email address]
Yours sincerely,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [7][email address] | [8]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[9]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
Dear Penny,
Just writing to follow up on my informal consultation on the scope of FOI
43597.
Could you please clarify the aspects of the request that have been noted
in my email of 7 June 2021. A response from you would greatly assist the
Department in being able to identify the correct business area to assist
with the search and retrieval process for this request.
I would be grateful for your response at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | [Internal Extension Removed]
e [1][email address]
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Monday, 7 June 2021 6:04 PM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Informal Consultation on Scope for FOI 43595 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny,
I would like to engage with you in an informal consultation regarding the
scope of FOI 43595.
Could you please clarify whether there is a specific business area of the
Department that this FOI request relates to. I note that each business
area in the Department undertakes their own tendering processes for the
roles required for their business areas. The job descriptions for these
positions may also differ depending on the needs of different Departmental
business areas.
As such I would be grateful if you could please confirm whether:
· Your FOI request is specific to one or more Departmental
business area(s); or
· Whether you are requesting information relevant to higher-level
procurement and labour hire processes.
I would be grateful for your response no later than COB 9 June 2021.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [2][email address] | [3]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[4]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Tuesday, 1 June 2021 4:41 PM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Acknowledgment of your FOI request – FOI 43595 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny
Freedom of Information Request: FOI 43595
I refer to your request for access to documents held by the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs (Department) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). Your request was received by the Department on 31 May 2021 and
was made in the following terms:
“…May I please view a copy of the procurement documentation/out to
market/tender in regards to seeking call centre staff services within the
department (in the last 3 months).
May I please have a copy of the call centre staff services
duties/description/role information outlining the service requirements of
call centre staff (in the last 3 months)..”
In accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, the due date for a
decision on your request is 30 June 2021.
When the processing period may be extended or suspended
The current due date may be extended by up to 30 days if agreed by you
(section 15AA of the FOI Act). Also, the due date may be extended by an
additional 30 days in each instance, if your request is considered
voluminous or complex (section 15AB of the FOI Act) or if the Department
is required to undertake a third party consultation (sections 26A, 27 or
27A of the FOI Act). If any of these extensions apply, the Department will
notify you.
We will write again when the Department has more information. Further
information on FOI processing can be found at the website of the Office of
the Australian Information Commissioner at [5]https://www.oaic.gov.au/.
Publication of documents
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log at
[6]https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/freedom...
subject to certain exceptions, such as if the documents relate to your own
personal information. The Department will advise you in its decision
whether details of your request will be published on the disclosure log or
not.
Contacting us about your request
We will contact you using the email address you have provided. Please
advise if you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the following details:
Post: Information Law Section, Legal Services & Audit Branch
GPO Box 9998 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Facsimile: (02) 6289 6337
Email: [7][email address]
Yours sincerely,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [8][email address] | [9]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[10]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
Dear Penny,
We haven’t received a response from you in relation to our informal
consultation regarding the scope of this request.
At this stage we understand that the Department has not engaged any call
centre staff over the last three months, however we are finalising some
internal consultations to confirm this advice and to provide you with a
full and proper decision.
Noting that a decision for this matter is currently due on 30 June 2021,
we would be grateful for your agreement to an extension of time (EOT)
under section 15AA of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). This
would have the effect of granting the Department an additional 30 days to
provide a decision on this request. While the legislation allows for 30
days, the Department will work towards issuing a decision prior to this
date.
If you are not agreeable to granting the Department additional time under
section 15AA of the FOI Act, the Department will apply for an EOT from the
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner under section 15AB of
the FOI Act noting the complexities attached to this matter and the need
to complete internal consultations.
Please confirm whether you agree to granting the Department the requested
EOT no later than COB 28 June 2021.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [1][email address] | [2]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[3]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Thursday, 10 June 2021 10:27 AM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Follow-up - Informal Consultation on Scope for FOI 43595
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny,
Just writing to follow up on my informal consultation on the scope of FOI
43597.
Could you please clarify the aspects of the request that have been noted
in my email of 7 June 2021. A response from you would greatly assist the
Department in being able to identify the correct business area to assist
with the search and retrieval process for this request.
I would be grateful for your response at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | [Internal Extension Removed]
e [4][email address]
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Monday, 7 June 2021 6:04 PM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Informal Consultation on Scope for FOI 43595 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny,
I would like to engage with you in an informal consultation regarding the
scope of FOI 43595.
Could you please clarify whether there is a specific business area of the
Department that this FOI request relates to. I note that each business
area in the Department undertakes their own tendering processes for the
roles required for their business areas. The job descriptions for these
positions may also differ depending on the needs of different Departmental
business areas.
As such I would be grateful if you could please confirm whether:
· Your FOI request is specific to one or more Departmental
business area(s); or
· Whether you are requesting information relevant to higher-level
procurement and labour hire processes.
I would be grateful for your response no later than COB 9 June 2021.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [5][email address] | [6]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[7]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Tuesday, 1 June 2021 4:41 PM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Acknowledgment of your FOI request – FOI 43595 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny
Freedom of Information Request: FOI 43595
I refer to your request for access to documents held by the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs (Department) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). Your request was received by the Department on 31 May 2021 and
was made in the following terms:
“…May I please view a copy of the procurement documentation/out to
market/tender in regards to seeking call centre staff services within the
department (in the last 3 months).
May I please have a copy of the call centre staff services
duties/description/role information outlining the service requirements of
call centre staff (in the last 3 months)..”
In accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, the due date for a
decision on your request is 30 June 2021.
When the processing period may be extended or suspended
The current due date may be extended by up to 30 days if agreed by you
(section 15AA of the FOI Act). Also, the due date may be extended by an
additional 30 days in each instance, if your request is considered
voluminous or complex (section 15AB of the FOI Act) or if the Department
is required to undertake a third party consultation (sections 26A, 27 or
27A of the FOI Act). If any of these extensions apply, the Department will
notify you.
We will write again when the Department has more information. Further
information on FOI processing can be found at the website of the Office of
the Australian Information Commissioner at [8]https://www.oaic.gov.au/.
Publication of documents
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log at
[9]https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/freedom...
subject to certain exceptions, such as if the documents relate to your own
personal information. The Department will advise you in its decision
whether details of your request will be published on the disclosure log or
not.
Contacting us about your request
We will contact you using the email address you have provided. Please
advise if you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the following details:
Post: Information Law Section, Legal Services & Audit Branch
GPO Box 9998 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Facsimile: (02) 6289 6337
Email: [10][email address]
Yours sincerely,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [11][email address] |
[12]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[13]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
Our reference: RQ21/01652
Agency reference: 43595
Penny
Sent by email: [1][FOI #7362 email]
Extension of time application by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Dear Penny
I write to advise that on 29 June 2021, the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner (the OAIC) received an application from the
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (the Department) for an extension of
time, to process your FOI request of 31 May 2021.
The Department has applied for an extension of time under s 15AB of the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) because your request is considered
to be complex.
The Department has advised the OAIC that:
· the request seeks access to documents relating to the Department's
procurement/labour hire processes for call centre staff services
· the FOI request is complex in nature and determining the scope of
the request required clarification
· on 7 June and 10 June 2021, the Department emailed you requesting an
informal consultation on the scope of the request. On 24 June 2021, the
Department emailed you seeking your agreement to an extension of time
under s15AA of the FOI Act. The Department has not received a response
from you to the emails.
· without your clarification of the scope of the request, the
Department was required to consult with all Departmental divisions to
identify the best business area to assist in conducting reasonable
searches for the request. This consultation process is ongoing.
The Department has requested an extension to 30 July 2021. I will take
any comments you may have to make into account when deciding the
application.
Please respond to this email by close of business 5 July 2021. If I do
not hear from you by this date, I will proceed to make a decision on the
basis of the information provided to me by the Department.
You will be notified of the decision once the matter has been finalised.
Further information about extension of time requests may be found on our
website at [2]Extensions of time.
Yours sincerely
[3][IMG] Rochelle Dunlop | Review and
Investigation Advisor
Investigations and Compliance
Freedom of information
Regulatory Group
Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner
GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 |
[4]oaic.gov.au
+61 2 9284 9783 |
[5][email address]
[9]Subscribe [10]Subscribe to
[6]Facebook | [7]LinkedIn | [8]Twitter | icon Information
Matters
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[FOI #7362 email]
2. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
3. https://www.oaic.gov.au/
4. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
5. mailto:%[email address]
6. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
7. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
8. https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
10. https://www.oaic.gov.au/media-and-speech...
Dear Penny,
I note that the Department did not receive a response from you regarding
our request from an extension of time under section 15AA of the FOI Act. A
decision was due for this matter on 30 June 2021.
As noted in our email to you of 24 June 2021, the Department is in the
process of finalising our consultations with internal business areas
regarding this request. As such, we considered it appropriate to apply for
an extension of time from the OAIC under section 15AB of the FOI Act.
While the status of the request is now a deemed decision, the Department
will inform you if the OAIC grants the Department additional time to
finalise this request.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [1][email address] | [2]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[3]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Thursday, 24 June 2021 3:46 PM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Please Action by COB 28 JUNE 2021 - Request for an Extension of
Time under Section 15AA of the FOI Act - FOI 43595 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny,
We haven’t received a response from you in relation to our informal
consultation regarding the scope of this request.
At this stage we understand that the Department has not engaged any call
centre staff over the last three months, however we are finalising some
internal consultations to confirm this advice and to provide you with a
full and proper decision.
Noting that a decision for this matter is currently due on 30 June 2021,
we would be grateful for your agreement to an extension of time (EOT)
under section 15AA of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). This
would have the effect of granting the Department an additional 30 days to
provide a decision on this request. While the legislation allows for 30
days, the Department will work towards issuing a decision prior to this
date.
If you are not agreeable to granting the Department additional time under
section 15AA of the FOI Act, the Department will apply for an EOT from the
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner under section 15AB of
the FOI Act noting the complexities attached to this matter and the need
to complete internal consultations.
Please confirm whether you agree to granting the Department the requested
EOT no later than COB 28 June 2021.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [4][email address] | [5]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[6]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Thursday, 10 June 2021 10:27 AM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Follow-up - Informal Consultation on Scope for FOI 43595
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny,
Just writing to follow up on my informal consultation on the scope of FOI
43597.
Could you please clarify the aspects of the request that have been noted
in my email of 7 June 2021. A response from you would greatly assist the
Department in being able to identify the correct business area to assist
with the search and retrieval process for this request.
I would be grateful for your response at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | [Internal Extension Removed]
e [7][email address]
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Monday, 7 June 2021 6:04 PM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Informal Consultation on Scope for FOI 43595 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny,
I would like to engage with you in an informal consultation regarding the
scope of FOI 43595.
Could you please clarify whether there is a specific business area of the
Department that this FOI request relates to. I note that each business
area in the Department undertakes their own tendering processes for the
roles required for their business areas. The job descriptions for these
positions may also differ depending on the needs of different Departmental
business areas.
As such I would be grateful if you could please confirm whether:
· Your FOI request is specific to one or more Departmental
business area(s); or
· Whether you are requesting information relevant to higher-level
procurement and labour hire processes.
I would be grateful for your response no later than COB 9 June 2021.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [8][email address] | [9]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[10]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
From: INFORMATION.LAW
Sent: Tuesday, 1 June 2021 4:41 PM
To: '[FOI #7362 email]'
Cc: INFORMATION.LAW
Subject: Acknowledgment of your FOI request – FOI 43595 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Penny
Freedom of Information Request: FOI 43595
I refer to your request for access to documents held by the Department of
Veterans’ Affairs (Department) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). Your request was received by the Department on 31 May 2021 and
was made in the following terms:
“…May I please view a copy of the procurement documentation/out to
market/tender in regards to seeking call centre staff services within the
department (in the last 3 months).
May I please have a copy of the call centre staff services
duties/description/role information outlining the service requirements of
call centre staff (in the last 3 months)..”
In accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, the due date for a
decision on your request is 30 June 2021.
When the processing period may be extended or suspended
The current due date may be extended by up to 30 days if agreed by you
(section 15AA of the FOI Act). Also, the due date may be extended by an
additional 30 days in each instance, if your request is considered
voluminous or complex (section 15AB of the FOI Act) or if the Department
is required to undertake a third party consultation (sections 26A, 27 or
27A of the FOI Act). If any of these extensions apply, the Department will
notify you.
We will write again when the Department has more information. Further
information on FOI processing can be found at the website of the Office of
the Australian Information Commissioner at [11]https://www.oaic.gov.au/.
Publication of documents
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log at
[12]https://www.dva.gov.au/about-dva/freedom...
subject to certain exceptions, such as if the documents relate to your own
personal information. The Department will advise you in its decision
whether details of your request will be published on the disclosure log or
not.
Contacting us about your request
We will contact you using the email address you have provided. Please
advise if you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the following details:
Post: Information Law Section, Legal Services & Audit Branch
GPO Box 9998 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Facsimile: (02) 6289 6337
Email: [13][email address]
Yours sincerely,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [14][email address] |
[15]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[16]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
Our reference: RQ21/01652
Agency reference: 43595
Penny
Sent by email: [1][FOI #7362 email]
Extension of time under s 15AB
Dear Penny
Please find attached a decision of today’s date for an extension of time
application from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Yours sincerely
[2][IMG] Rochelle Dunlop | Review and
Investigation Advisor
Investigations and Compliance
Freedom of information
Regulatory Group
Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner
GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 |
[3]oaic.gov.au
+61 2 9284 9783 |
[4][email address]
[8]Subscribe [9]Subscribe to
[5]Facebook | [6]LinkedIn | [7]Twitter | icon Information
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Dear Penny,
Please find attached the Department’s response for FOI 43595.
Kind regards,
Famida (Position Number 62212449)
Information Access Officer
Information Law Section
Legal Services and Audit Branch
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
t 1800 555 254 | e [1][email address] | [2]www.dva.gov.au
p GPO Box 9998, Canberra ACT 2601
[3]cid:image001.png@01D0027A.1DAB84F0
P Please consider the environment before printing this email
IMPORTANT: This document contains legal advice and may be subject to legal
professional privilege. Unless it is waived or lost, legal professional
privilege is a rule of law that, in part, provides that the client need
not disclose confidential communications between a legal practitioner and
client. To keep this privilege, the purpose and content of this advice
must only be disclosed to persons who have a need to know and on the basis
that those persons also keep it confidential.
You should consider this advice and take it into account when forming a
decision on how best to proceed. If you decide to adopt a position that
does not align with this advice, you should not state that DVA Legal
Services & Audit Branch has cleared or endorsed a particular position.
Ben Fairless left an annotation ()
Right to Know has received a request from the Department to remove a public servant's full name and direct contact number, as they did not intend to send this information to the applicant.
The Public Servant's full name has been replaced by their name and position number. The Public Servants direct number has been replaced by the Department's 1800 number.