Gaza Hospital Bombing Assessment
Dear Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
BACKGROUND:
On the 19th October 2023, it was reported by news.com.au that Foreign Minister Penny Wong said "Our current assessment is that Israel is not responsible for the explosion in a hospital in Gaza." https://www.news.com.au/national/politic...
INFORMATION I AM SEEKING:
1. I am seeking all documents, including but not limited to investigation reports, other reports, meeting minutes, correspondence, records of conversation & file notes held by the Department of Foreign Affairs that were used by the Foreign Minister in making the assessment
2. I also require all the draft versions of all these documents.
Yours faithfully,
Foifoi Mcgee
OFFICIAL
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your email dated 21 October 2023 seeking access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).
This email sets out some information about how your request will be processed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the department).
Scope of request:
You have sought access to:
"On the 19th October 2023, it was reported by news.com.au that Foreign Minister Penny Wong said "Our current assessment is that Israel is not responsible for the explosion in a hospital in Gaza."...
INFORMATION I AM SEEKING:
1. I am seeking all documents, including but not limited to investigation reports, other reports, meeting minutes, correspondence, records of conversation & file notes held by the Department of Foreign Affairs that were used by the Foreign Minister in making the assessment 2. I also require all the draft versions of all these documents."
If it emerges that the scope of your request is unclear or is too large for processing, the department will contact you to discuss re-scoping the request.
Timeframe for receiving our decision:
We received your request on 21 October 2023, and the 30-day statutory period for processing your request commenced from the day after that date. A decision is currently due to you by 20 November 2023. The period of 30 days may be extended in certain circumstances.
Given the recent events unfolding in Israel, the department’s Middle East Branch, who, if documents exist in relation to your request, are most likely to hold documents, are extremely busy supporting the crisis response.
As such, the department seeks your agreement to an extension of 30 calendars days to process your request (under section 15AA of the FOI Act). We will continue to work to finalise your matter as soon as possible.
We would be grateful if you are minded to agree, that you please confirm your agreement by COB 25 October 2023.
If we do not hear from you, we may apply to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner for an extension to the statutory timeframe.
Charges:
Please note that the Department may issue charges for processing FOI requests. If applicable, we will advise you of any relevant charges when we are in a position to estimate the resources required to process your request.
Disclosure log:
Please note that, with some exceptions (such as personal information), documents released under the FOI Act may later be published on the department’s disclosure log.
Exclusion of officials’ names and contact details:
It is the Department’s policy to withhold the mobile numbers of all government officials, and the names, gender pronouns, and contact details of government officials not in the Senior Executive Service (SES) or equivalent. If you require the mobile numbers of all government officials, or the names and contact details of non-SES officials, please let us know at [DFAT request email] so the decision-maker may consider; otherwise we will take it that you agree to that information being excluded from the scope of your request.
Personal Information:
If we need to consult with other people or organisations regarding your FOI request, we may need to disclose your personal information (e.g. your name). When we consult it may be apparent that you have made a request, even if we do not disclose your identity. Please let us know if you have any concerns in this regard. You can access on the department’s website a copy of the privacy policy.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us by return e-mail at [DFAT request email]
Kind regards
DFAT FOI Team
_______________________________
Freedom of Information Section
Public Interest Law Branch | Regulatory and Legal Policy Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
dfat.gov.au | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
© Kim Hill, Among Women (2011)
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples, their cultures and to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
-----Original Message-----
From: Foifoi Mcgee <[FOI #10779 email]>
Sent: Saturday, 21 October 2023 12:34 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Freedom of Information request - Gaza Hospital Bombing Assessment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organisation. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender.
Dear Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
BACKGROUND:
On the 19th October 2023, it was reported by news.com.au that Foreign Minister Penny Wong said "Our current assessment is that Israel is not responsible for the explosion in a hospital in Gaza." https://www.news.com.au/national/politic...
INFORMATION I AM SEEKING:
1. I am seeking all documents, including but not limited to investigation reports, other reports, meeting minutes, correspondence, records of conversation & file notes held by the Department of Foreign Affairs that were used by the Foreign Minister in making the assessment 2. I also require all the draft versions of all these documents.
Yours faithfully,
Foifoi Mcgee
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #10779 email]
Is [DFAT request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade? If so, please contact us using this form:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear FOI,
Thank you for your email.
I decline your request for an extension of time for the following reasons:
1. It took only 2 days for the Department to conduct an assessment and conclude Israel was not responsible. I think 30 days to release documents requested from this 2 days assessment is reasonable.
2. Given the evolving situation with the war, and Australia's response to it, it is in the public interest to get these documents as soon as possible. Transparency is important in Australia's response.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
OFFICIAL
Dear Foifoi Mcgee
Please find attached correspondence in relation to your FOI request.
Kind regards
DFAT FOI Team
_______________________________
Freedom of Information Section
Public Interest Law Branch | Regulatory and Legal Policy Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
[1]dfat.gov.au | [2]Twitter | [3]Facebook | [4]Instagram | [5]LinkedIn
© Kim Hill, Among Women (2011)
[6]We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters and community.
We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples, their cultures and to
their Elders, past, present and emerging.
-----Original Message-----
From: Foifoi Mcgee <[FOI #10779 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 24 October 2023 1:50 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Your FOI request - Acknowledgement & extension of
time request (LEX 9322) [SEC=OFFICIAL]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organisation. Do not click
links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender.
Dear FOI,
Thank you for your email.
I decline your request for an extension of time for the following reasons:
1. It took only 2 days for the Department to conduct an assessment and
conclude Israel was not responsible. I think 30 days to release documents
requested from this 2 days assessment is reasonable.
2. Given the evolving situation with the war, and Australia's response to
it, it is in the public interest to get these documents as soon as
possible. Transparency is important in Australia's response.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your email dated 21 October 2023 seeking access to documents
under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).
This email sets out some information about how your request will be
processed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the department).
Scope of request:
You have sought access to:
"On the 19th October 2023, it was reported by news.com.au that Foreign
Minister Penny Wong said "Our current assessment is that Israel is not
responsible for the explosion in a hospital in Gaza."...
INFORMATION I AM SEEKING:
1. I am seeking all documents, including but not limited to investigation
reports, other reports, meeting minutes, correspondence, records of
conversation & file notes held by the Department of Foreign Affairs that
were used by the Foreign Minister in making the assessment 2. I also
require all the draft versions of all these documents."
If it emerges that the scope of your request is unclear or is too large
for processing, the department will contact you to discuss re-scoping the
request.
Timeframe for receiving our decision:
We received your request on 21 October 2023, and the 30-day statutory
period for processing your request commenced from the day after that date.
A decision is currently due to you by 20 November 2023. The period of 30
days may be extended in certain circumstances.
Given the recent events unfolding in Israel, the department’s Middle East
Branch, who, if documents exist in relation to your request, are most
likely to hold documents, are extremely busy supporting the crisis
response.
As such, the department seeks your agreement to an extension of 30
calendars days to process your request (under section 15AA of the FOI
Act). We will continue to work to finalise your matter as soon as
possible.
We would be grateful if you are minded to agree, that you please confirm
your agreement by COB 25 October 2023.
If we do not hear from you, we may apply to the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner for an extension to the statutory timeframe.
Charges:
Please note that the Department may issue charges for processing FOI
requests. If applicable, we will advise you of any relevant charges when
we are in a position to estimate the resources required to process your
request.
Disclosure log:
Please note that, with some exceptions (such as personal information),
documents released under the FOI Act may later be published on the
department’s disclosure log.
Exclusion of officials’ names and contact details:
It is the Department’s policy to withhold the mobile numbers of all
government officials, and the names, gender pronouns, and contact details
of government officials not in the Senior Executive Service (SES) or
equivalent. If you require the mobile numbers of all government
officials, or the names and contact details of non-SES officials, please
let us know at [DFAT request email] so the decision-maker may consider;
otherwise we will take it that you agree to that information being
excluded from the scope of your request.
Personal Information:
If we need to consult with other people or organisations regarding your
FOI request, we may need to disclose your personal information (e.g. your
name). When we consult it may be apparent that you have made a request,
even if we do not disclose your identity. Please let us know if you have
any concerns in this regard. You can access on the department’s website a
copy of the privacy policy.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to
contact us by return e-mail at [DFAT request email]
Kind regards
DFAT FOI Team
_______________________________
Freedom of Information Section
Public Interest Law Branch | Regulatory and Legal Policy Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
dfat.gov.au | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
© Kim Hill, Among Women (2011)
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia,
and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our
respects to all First Nations peoples, their cultures and to their Elders,
past, present and emerging.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[7][FOI #10779 email]
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This
message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet.
More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
[8]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
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7. mailto:[FOI #10779 email]
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Dear FOI,
I would like to revise my request.
1. I only need the documents requested from 17th October 2023 - 19th October 2023
2. I only require those documents about the Al- Ahli Arab Hospital bombing that occurred on the 17th October 2023. I do not require documents about any other hospital bombing.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
OFFICIAL
Dear Foifoi Mcgee
Please find attached correspondence relating to your FOI request.
Kind regards
DFAT FOI Team
_______________________________
Freedom of Information Section
Public Interest Law Branch | Regulatory and Legal Policy Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
[1]dfat.gov.au | [2]Twitter | [3]Facebook | [4]Instagram | [5]LinkedIn
© Kim Hill, Among Women (2011)
[6]We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters and community.
We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples, their cultures and to
their Elders, past, present and emerging.
-----Original Message-----
From: Foifoi Mcgee <[FOI #10779 email]>
Sent: Tuesday, 14 November 2023 8:15 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: LEX 9322 - Your DFAT FOI Request - s24AB
Consultation [SEC=OFFICIAL]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organisation. Do not click
links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender.
Dear FOI,
I would like to revise my request.
1. I only need the documents requested from 17th October 2023 - 19th
October 2023
2. I only require those documents about the Al- Ahli Arab Hospital bombing
that occurred on the 17th October 2023. I do not require documents about
any other hospital bombing.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Foifoi Mcgee
Please find attached correspondence in relation to your FOI request.
Kind regards
DFAT FOI Team
_______________________________
Freedom of Information Section
Public Interest Law Branch | Regulatory and Legal Policy Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
[1]dfat.gov.au | [2]Twitter | [3]Facebook | [4]Instagram | [5]LinkedIn
© Kim Hill, Among Women (2011)
[6]We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters and community.
We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples, their cultures and to
their Elders, past, present and emerging.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[7][FOI #10779 email]
This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This
message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet.
More information on how Right to Know works can be found at:
[8]https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Please note that in some cases publication of requests and responses will
be delayed.
If you find this service useful as an FOI officer, please ask your web
manager to link to us from your organisation's FOI page.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. http://www.dfat.gov.au/
2. https://twitter.com/DFAT
3. https://www.facebook.com/dfat.gov.au
4. https://www.instagram.com/dfat
5. https://au.linkedin.com/company/departme...
6. https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publica...
7. mailto:[FOI #10779 email]
8. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...