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
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
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6. https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publica...
7. mailto:[FOI #10779 email]
8. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
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...
Dear Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.
I am writing to request an internal review of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's handling of my FOI request 'Gaza Hospital Bombing
It has been almost two years and this should be reviewed.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address: http://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/ga...
Yours faithfully,
Foifoi Mcgee
OFFICIAL
FOI Request: LEX 12797
Dear FoiFoi Mcgee
Thank you for your email dated 1 September 2025 seeking an internal
review of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (the department)
access refusal decision in LEX 9322 under the Freedom of Information Act
1982 (FOI Act).
We seek your assistance to clarify your request.
Request for your assistance
You have sought an internal review of an access refusal decision notified
to you on 30 November 2023. You are 612 days out of time to request an
internal review of this decision.
You have two options:
1. You can make a request for the department to allow you further time to
request an internal review (section 54B(1)(a) of the FOI Act).
Please note that if you proceed with option 1 – we would request that you
provide reasons in support of your request for why the department should
allow further time in the circumstances that 612 days has passed since
your right to review expired. If the department decides to grant you with
an extension of time, you would then need to subsequently make an
application for internal review.
2. You can make a new FOI request – for example:
For the period 16 to 19 October 2023 – Documents provided to the Foreign
Minister Penny Wong that contain a finding or conclusion that Israel was
not responsible for the explosion on 17 October 2023 at the Al-Ahli Arab
Hospital in Gaza.
Context
On 19 October 2023 in Senate Estimates, the former Senator Simon
Birmingham asked the Foreign Minister:
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator
Wong. In response to a question from Senator Waters yesterday in relation
to the explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, which has resulted in
further tragic loss of innocent lives, you correctly at the time noted:
There are obviously conflicting reports about what has occurred.
Overnight, President Biden has stated that, based on US information, it
appears to be as a result of an errant rocket fired by a terrorist group
in Gaza. A spokesperson for the United States National Security Council
further clarified:
… our current assessment, based on analysis of overhead imagery,
intercepts, and open source information, is that Israel is not responsible
for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza …
Minister, what is Australia's assessment or understanding of
responsibility for the tragic explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza?
The Foreign Minister in providing a response stated:
I think it is probably most appropriate, again, to refer to the US
National Security Council's words, which Senator Birmingham referenced.
The statement that was made was:
While we continue to collect information, our current assessment … is that
Israel is not responsible for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza
yesterday.
Please note that if you do not reply to this email, the default position
is option 1.
We would be grateful for your response at your earliest convenience, but
by no later than COB Friday 5 September 2025.
Kind regards
Jonathan | DFAT FOI Team
_____________________________________________________
Assistant Director | Freedom of Information Section
Public Interest Law Branch | Regulatory and Legal Policy Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
[1]dfat.gov.au | [2]X | [3]Facebook | [4]Instagram | [5]LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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: Monday, September 1, 2025 10:29 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Internal review of 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,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information
reviews.
I am writing to request an internal review of Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade's handling of my FOI request 'Gaza Hospital Bombing
It has been almost two years and this should be reviewed.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on
the Internet at this address:
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlo...
Yours faithfully,
Foifoi Mcgee
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[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:
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. https://www.dfat.gov.au/
2. https://x.com/DFAT
3. https://www.facebook.com/dfat.gov.au/
4. https://www.instagram.com/dfat/?hl=en
5. https://au.linkedin.com/company/departme...
Dear FOI,
I would like to go with option 2 as you have suggested. Can you please put this new FOI request for me.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
OFFICIAL
Dear Foifoi Mcgee
We will proceed with the new request.
We note the structure of the RTK website, and that given the way the RTK website works, it may be beneficial to make a new request with a new RTK email address.
Kind regards
Jonathan
-----Original Message-----
From: Foifoi Mcgee <[FOI #10779 email]>
Sent: Thursday, September 4, 2025 6:10 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Internal review of 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 FOI,
I would like to go with option 2 as you have suggested. Can you please put this new FOI request for me.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
FOI Request: LEX 12797
Dear FoiFoi Mcgee
Thank you for your email dated 1 September 2025 seeking an internal
review of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (the department)
access refusal decision in LEX 9322 under the Freedom of Information Act
1982 (FOI Act).
We seek your assistance to clarify your request.
Request for your assistance
You have sought an internal review of an access refusal decision notified
to you on 30 November 2023. You are 612 days out of time to request an
internal review of this decision.
You have two options:
1. You can make a request for the department to allow you further time to
request an internal review (section 54B(1)(a) of the FOI Act).
Please note that if you proceed with option 1 – we would request that you
provide reasons in support of your request for why the department should
allow further time in the circumstances that 612 days has passed since
your right to review expired. If the department decides to grant you with
an extension of time, you would then need to subsequently make an
application for internal review.
2. You can make a new FOI request – for example:
For the period 16 to 19 October 2023 – Documents provided to the Foreign
Minister Penny Wong that contain a finding or conclusion that Israel was
not responsible for the explosion on 17 October 2023 at the Al-Ahli Arab
Hospital in Gaza.
Context
On 19 October 2023 in Senate Estimates, the former Senator Simon
Birmingham asked the Foreign Minister:
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator
Wong. In response to a question from Senator Waters yesterday in relation
to the explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, which has resulted in
further tragic loss of innocent lives, you correctly at the time noted:
There are obviously conflicting reports about what has occurred.
Overnight, President Biden has stated that, based on US information, it
appears to be as a result of an errant rocket fired by a terrorist group
in Gaza. A spokesperson for the United States National Security Council
further clarified:
… our current assessment, based on analysis of overhead imagery,
intercepts, and open source information, is that Israel is not responsible
for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza …
Minister, what is Australia's assessment or understanding of
responsibility for the tragic explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza?
The Foreign Minister in providing a response stated:
I think it is probably most appropriate, again, to refer to the US
National Security Council's words, which Senator Birmingham referenced.
The statement that was made was:
While we continue to collect information, our current assessment … is that
Israel is not responsible for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza
yesterday.
Please note that if you do not reply to this email, the default position
is option 1.
We would be grateful for your response at your earliest convenience, but
by no later than COB Friday 5 September 2025.
Kind regards
Jonathan | DFAT FOI Team
_____________________________________________________
Assistant Director | Freedom of Information Section
Public Interest Law Branch | Regulatory and Legal Policy Division
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
[1]dfat.gov.au | [2]X | [3]Facebook | [4]Instagram | [5]LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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:
[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:
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,
Is it necessary? I would not want to clog up the Right to Know website with additional requests.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
OFFICIAL
DFAT FOI Reference: LEX 12797
Dear FoiFoi McGee
We are writing to you to seek your agreement to providing the department
with an extension of 7 calendar days to process your FOI request in
accordance with section 15AA of the FOI Act. This would mean that a
decision would then be due to you by: 13 October 2025.
Background
The department has experienced delays in searching for and retrieving
documents potentially relevant to the scope of your request due to the
large number of line areas who were required to search for documents,
including our overseas Embassies and Consulates.
The additional time will enable the department to finalise its processes
and provide you with an outcome.
Please be assured that we will continue to process your request as quickly
as possible and will provide an outcome to you as soon as it is
available.
Timeframe
We would be grateful if you could please reply to our request by COB:
Friday 26 September 2025.
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.
Should you have any questions, please to contact us by reply 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
[1]dfat.gov.au | [2]X | [3]Facebook | [4]Instagram | [5]LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Internal review of Freedom of Information request
- Gaza Hospital Bombing Assessment [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,
Is it necessary? I would not want to clog up the Right to Know website
with additional requests.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Foifoi Mcgee
We will proceed with the new request.
We note the structure of the RTK website, and that given the way the RTK
website works, it may be beneficial to make a new request with a new RTK
email address.
Kind regards
Jonathan
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[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:
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. https://www.dfat.gov.au/
https://www.dfat.gov.au/
2. https://x.com/dfat
https://x.com/DFAT
3. https://www.facebook.com/dfat.gov.au/
https://www.facebook.com/dfat.gov.au/
4. https://www.instagram.com/dfat/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/dfat/?hl=en
5. https://au.linkedin.com/company/departme...
https://au.linkedin.com/company/departme...
OFFICIAL
DFAT FOI Reference: LEX 12906
Dear FOIFOI McGee
Thank you for your email dated 24 September 2025, agreeing to provide the
department with an extension until 13 October 2025.
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 personal information of
junior staff from ministerial offices and government officials not in the
Senior Executive Service (SES) or equivalent, including their email
addresses and contact numbers, together with all signatures, mobile phone
numbers, departmental inboxes and technical transmission details including
reference numbers.
Duplicate documents and incomplete email chains
Your request will be processed on the basis that you did not intend to
capture duplicate documents or duplicate emails within email chains.
If you require the excluded information or documents, please let us know
at [1][DFAT request email] so the decision-maker may consider; otherwise, we
will take it that you agree to the information and documents 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. Further information on the way the department
handles personal information is accessible via our privacy policy.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to
contact us by reply 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
[2]dfat.gov.au | [3]X | [4]Facebook | [5]Instagram | [6]LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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: Wednesday, 24 September 2025 7:13 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Internal review of Freedom of Information request
- Gaza Hospital Bombing Assessment [SEC=OFFICIAL]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organisation. Do not click
links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender.
Dear FOI,
Agreed
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
DFAT FOI Reference: LEX 12797
Dear FoiFoi McGee
We are writing to you to seek your agreement to providing the department
with an extension of 7 calendar days to process your FOI request in
accordance with section 15AA of the FOI Act. This would mean that a
decision would then be due to you by: 13 October 2025.
Background
The department has experienced delays in searching for and retrieving
documents potentially relevant to the scope of your request due to the
large number of line areas who were required to search for documents,
including our overseas Embassies and Consulates.
The additional time will enable the department to finalise its processes
and provide you with an outcome.
Please be assured that we will continue to process your request as quickly
as possible and will provide an outcome to you as soon as it is
available.
Timeframe
We would be grateful if you could please reply to our request by COB:
Friday 26 September 2025.
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.
Should you have any questions, please to contact us by reply 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
[1]dfat.gov.au | [2]X | [3]Facebook | [4]Instagram | [5]LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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:
[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:
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. mailto:[DFAT request email]
2. https://www.dfat.gov.au/
https://www.dfat.gov.au/
3. https://x.com/dfat
https://x.com/DFAT
4. https://www.facebook.com/dfat.gov.au/
https://www.facebook.com/dfat.gov.au/
5. https://www.instagram.com/dfat/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/dfat/?hl=en
6. https://au.linkedin.com/company/departme...
https://au.linkedin.com/company/departme...
OFFICIAL
DFAT FOI Reference: LEXC 12797
Dear Foifoi McGee
We are writing to you to seek your agreement to providing the department
with a further extension of 6 calendar days to process your FOI request in
accordance with section 15AA of the FOI Act. This would mean that a
decision would then be due to you by: 17 October 2025.
This additional time will allow for our team to finalise your request and
provide you with an outcome in a timely manner.
We confirm that your request is currently before the decision-maker for
their final assessment.
Please be assured that we will continue to process your request as quickly
as possible and will provide an outcome to you as soon as it is
available.
Timeframe
We would be grateful if you could please reply to our request by COB:
Monday 13 October 2025.
We thank you for your continued assistance and understanding.
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]X | [3]Facebook | [4]Instagram | [5]LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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: Wednesday, 24 September 2025 7:13 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Internal review of Freedom of Information request
- Gaza Hospital Bombing Assessment [SEC=OFFICIAL]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside the organisation. Do not click
links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender.
Dear FOI,
Agreed
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
DFAT FOI Reference: LEX 12797
Dear FoiFoi McGee
We are writing to you to seek your agreement to providing the department
with an extension of 7 calendar days to process your FOI request in
accordance with section 15AA of the FOI Act. This would mean that a
decision would then be due to you by: 13 October 2025.
Background
The department has experienced delays in searching for and retrieving
documents potentially relevant to the scope of your request due to the
large number of line areas who were required to search for documents,
including our overseas Embassies and Consulates.
The additional time will enable the department to finalise its processes
and provide you with an outcome.
Please be assured that we will continue to process your request as quickly
as possible and will provide an outcome to you as soon as it is
available.
Timeframe
We would be grateful if you could please reply to our request by COB:
Friday 26 September 2025.
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.
Should you have any questions, please to contact us by reply 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
[1]dfat.gov.au | [2]X | [3]Facebook | [4]Instagram | [5]LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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:
[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:
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. https://www.dfat.gov.au/
https://www.dfat.gov.au/
2. https://x.com/dfat
https://x.com/DFAT
3. https://www.facebook.com/dfat.gov.au/
https://www.facebook.com/dfat.gov.au/
4. https://www.instagram.com/dfat/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/dfat/?hl=en
5. https://au.linkedin.com/company/departme...
https://au.linkedin.com/company/departme...
OFFICIAL
Test
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 | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Gaza Hospital Bombing Assessment [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,
Is it necessary? I would not want to clog up the Right to Know website with additional requests.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Foifoi Mcgee
We will proceed with the new request.
We note the structure of the RTK website, and that given the way the RTK website works, it may be beneficial to make a new request with a new RTK email address.
Kind regards
Jonathan
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[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:
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICIAL
DFAT FOI Reference: LEX 12797
Dear Foifoi McGee
Please find attached decision letter regarding the outcome of your Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade FOI request.
Documents will be sent to you in the forthcoming days.
We are experiencing technical difficulties releasing the documents.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.
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 | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Gaza Hospital Bombing Assessment [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,
Is it necessary? I would not want to clog up the Right to Know website with additional requests.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Foifoi Mcgee
We will proceed with the new request.
We note the structure of the RTK website, and that given the way the RTK website works, it may be beneficial to make a new request with a new RTK email address.
Kind regards
Jonathan
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[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:
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICIAL
DFAT FOI Reference: LEX 12797
Dear Foifoi McGee
Further to the below, please find attached documents.
We apologise for the delay in providing you with these documents.
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 | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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: FOI
Sent: Monday, 13 October 2025 5:45 PM
To: Foifoi Mcgee <[FOI #10779 email]>
Subject: Your DFAT FOI Request - Decision Letter - LEX 12797 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
DFAT FOI Reference: LEX 12797
Dear Foifoi McGee
Please find attached decision letter regarding the outcome of your Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade FOI request.
Documents will be sent to you in the forthcoming days.
We are experiencing technical difficulties releasing the documents.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.
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 | X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
© Brooke Rigney-Lively (2024)
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: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: FOI <[DFAT request email]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Internal review of Freedom of Information request - Gaza Hospital Bombing Assessment [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,
Is it necessary? I would not want to clog up the Right to Know website with additional requests.
Yours sincerely,
Foifoi Mcgee
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Foifoi Mcgee
We will proceed with the new request.
We note the structure of the RTK website, and that given the way the RTK website works, it may be beneficial to make a new request with a new RTK email address.
Kind regards
Jonathan
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[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:
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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------