Reports in FOI LEX 54069
Dear Department of Social Services,
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1 April 2025.
I agree to the removal of all personal and identifying information, group email addresses used for internal departmental purposes, duplicate copies of, or parts of, documents (so the information is only released once); and bank account details of third parties.
Yours faithfully,
Ben Little
Thank you for your email.
You have contacted the Freedom of Information (FOI) team of the Department
of Social Services (the Department).
If your email relates to a Freedom of Information application made under
the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), the Department
will respond to you as soon as practicable.
Further information about FOI is available on our website at:
[1]https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...
This email address is for applications under the FOI Act only. The
Department is unable to respond to non-FOI related enquiries sent to this
email address. Any correspondence received that is not an information
access request will not be responded to or forwarded. Should you have a
query unrelated to FOI, please complete our [2]online feedback, enquiry or
compliment form on our website or direct your email to
[3][email address]. Alternatively you can contact the Department by
calling 1800 634 035.
With regards
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freedom of Information
Legal Services Branch
Department of Social Services
E: [4][Department of Social Services request email]
The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of
country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land,
water and community.
We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past
and present.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-departm...
2. https://www.dss.gov.au/contact/feedback-...
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
Good afternoon Ben Little
I refer to your correspondence received by the Department of Social
Services (the Department) on 10 September 2025, in which you requested
access under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 to:
‘a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability advocacy that
is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the Australian
Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the Foundational
Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT Professional
Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1 April 2025.
The subject matter of your request more closely relates to the functions
of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and they have agreed to
accept the transfer of your request under the provisions of section 16 of
the FOI Act.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will contact you directly
in relation to this matter.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the
Freedom of Information team at the Department of Health, Disability and
Ageing at [1][email address] or visit the FOI page of their website at
[2]Freedom of information (FOI) | Australian Government Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing for further information.
Regards
DSS FOI team
Information Law and Access
Programs and Information Legal
Department of Social Services
E: [3][Department of Social Services request email]
[4]National Relay Service
The Department of Social Services acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing
connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to
the Elders both past and present.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 9:00 AM
To: FOI <[Department of Social Services request email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Reports in FOI LEX 54069
Dear Department of Social Services,
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I agree to the removal of all personal and identifying information, group
email addresses used for internal departmental purposes, duplicate copies
of, or parts of, documents (so the information is only released once); and
bank account details of third parties.
Yours faithfully,
Ben Little
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[5][FOI #13632 email]
Is [6][Department of Social Services request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests
to Department of Social Services? If so, please contact us using this
form:
[7]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:
[8]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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. https://www.health.gov.au/about-us/corpo...
3. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
4. https://www.accesshub.gov.au/
5. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
6. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
7. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
8. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Little,
I refer to your request received by the Department of Social Services
(DSS) for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). You have requested access to:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I am writing to tell you that on 11 September 2025, the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) has accepted transfer of
your request from DSS.
The reference number for your request is FOI 26-2175 Please ensure that
you quote this number in future correspondence with us concerning this
request.
Timeframes
Your request was received by DSS on 10 September 2025 and the 30-day
statutory period for processing your request commenced from the day after
that date. The department will treat your request as though we received it
the same day that DSS did. You should expect a decision from us by 10
October 2025. The period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult
third parties or for other reasons. We will advise you if this happens.
Other information
The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing
access to the documents. If this request attracts a charge you will be
notified in writing.
Unless you advise otherwise:
· any draft and duplicate documents will be excluded from the
scope of your request, and
· any Commonwealth employee names below Senior Executive Service
level and direct telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the
scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log
[1]www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-disclosure-log, subject to certain
exceptions. (For example, personal information will not be published where
this would be unreasonable.)
You can contact the FOI team via email at [2][email address] or by phone
on 02 6289 1666, should you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Jordan
FOI Administration Officer – Freedom of Information Section
Legal Advice and Legislation Branch
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [3][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations
peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and
their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and
present.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[Department of Social Services request email]>
Sent: Thursday, 11 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[Department of Social Services request email]>
Subject: Department of Social Services - FOI LEX 54621 - Notification of
transfer to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under section
16 of the FOI Act [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Good afternoon Ben Little
I refer to your correspondence received by the Department of Social
Services (the Department) on 10 September 2025, in which you requested
access under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 to:
‘a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability advocacy that
is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the Australian
Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the Foundational
Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT Professional
Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1 April 2025.
The subject matter of your request more closely relates to the functions
of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and they have agreed to
accept the transfer of your request under the provisions of section 16 of
the FOI Act.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will contact you directly
in relation to this matter.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the
Freedom of Information team at the Department of Health, Disability and
Ageing at [4][email address] or visit the FOI page of their website at
[5]Freedom of information (FOI) | Australian Government Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing for further information.
Regards
DSS FOI team
Information Law and Access
Programs and Information Legal
Department of Social Services
E: [6][Department of Social Services request email]
[7]National Relay Service
The Department of Social Services acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing
connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to
the Elders both past and present.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Little
Sent: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 9:00 AM
To: FOI
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Reports in FOI LEX 54069
Dear Department of Social Services,
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I agree to the removal of all personal and identifying information, group
email addresses used for internal departmental purposes, duplicate copies
of, or parts of, documents (so the information is only released once); and
bank account details of third parties.
Yours faithfully,
Ben Little
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[8][FOI #13632 email]
Is [9][Department of Social Services request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information requests
to Department of Social Services? If so, please contact us using this
form:
[10]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:
[11]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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."
References
Visible links
1. http://www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-d...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[email address]
5. https://www.health.gov.au/about-us/corpo...
6. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
7. https://www.accesshub.gov.au/
8. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
9. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
10. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
11. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
OFFICIAL
Good afternoon Mr Little,
I refer to your request of date to the Department of Health, Disability
and Ageing (department), seeking access under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) to the following documents:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
Notice of Third Party Consultation
Documents have been identified in the scope of your request which contain
information relating to third parties. It has been determined that it
would be appropriate to consult with the affected third parties under
section 27 of the FOI Act prior to a decision on access to those documents
being made.
Section 15(6) of the FOI Act allows the timeframe for processing your
request to be extended by 30 days to facilitate this consultation.
Accordingly, the statutory due date for your request is now 10 November
2025.
The department will continue processing your request and provide you with
a decision on access as soon as we are able to do so.
Relevant provisions
The FOI Act, including the provisions referred to in this email, can be
accessed from the Federal Register of Legislation website:
[1]www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562.
If you require clarification of any of the matters discussed in this email
you should contact the department’s FOI Section by email at
[2][email address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [3][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 12 September 2025 8:35 AM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request FOI 26-2175 - Transfer of request
to Department of Health, Disability and Ageing [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Little,
I refer to your request received by the Department of Social Services
(DSS) for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). You have requested access to:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I am writing to tell you that on 11 September 2025, the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) has accepted transfer of
your request from DSS.
The reference number for your request is FOI 26-2175 Please ensure that
you quote this number in future correspondence with us concerning this
request.
Timeframes
Your request was received by DSS on 10 September 2025 and the 30-day
statutory period for processing your request commenced from the day after
that date. The department will treat your request as though we received it
the same day that DSS did. You should expect a decision from us by 10
October 2025. The period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult
third parties or for other reasons. We will advise you if this happens.
Other information
The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing
access to the documents. If this request attracts a charge you will be
notified in writing.
Unless you advise otherwise:
· any draft and duplicate documents will be excluded from the scope
of your request, and
· any Commonwealth employee names below Senior Executive Service
level and direct telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the
scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log
[4]www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-disclosure-log, subject to certain
exceptions. (For example, personal information will not be published where
this would be unreasonable.)
You can contact the FOI team via email at [5][email address] or by phone
on 02 6289 1666, should you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Jordan
FOI Administration Officer – Freedom of Information Section
Legal Advice and Legislation Branch
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [6][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations
peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and
their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and
present.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[7][Department of Social Services request email]>
Sent: Thursday, 11 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: Ben Little <[8][FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[9][Department of Social Services request email]>
Subject: Department of Social Services - FOI LEX 54621 - Notification of
transfer to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under section
16 of the FOI Act [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Good afternoon Ben Little
I refer to your correspondence received by the Department of Social
Services (the Department) on 10 September 2025, in which you requested
access under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 to:
‘a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability advocacy that
is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the Australian
Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the Foundational
Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT Professional
Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1 April 2025.
The subject matter of your request more closely relates to the functions
of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and they have agreed to
accept the transfer of your request under the provisions of section 16 of
the FOI Act.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will contact you directly
in relation to this matter.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the
Freedom of Information team at the Department of Health, Disability and
Ageing at [10][email address] or visit the FOI page of their website at
[11]Freedom of information (FOI) | Australian Government Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing for further information.
Regards
DSS FOI team
Information Law and Access
Programs and Information Legal
Department of Social Services
E: [12][Department of Social Services request email]
[13]National Relay Service
The Department of Social Services acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing
connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to
the Elders both past and present.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Little
Sent: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 9:00 AM
To: FOI
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Reports in FOI LEX 54069
Dear Department of Social Services,
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I agree to the removal of all personal and identifying information, group
email addresses used for internal departmental purposes, duplicate copies
of, or parts of, documents (so the information is only released once); and
bank account details of third parties.
Yours faithfully,
Ben Little
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[14][FOI #13632 email]
Is [15][Department of Social Services request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Social Services? If so, please contact us using
this form:
[16]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:
[17]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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."
References
Visible links
1. http://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C20...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. http://www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-d...
5. mailto:[email address]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
8. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
9. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
10. mailto:[email address]
11. https://www.health.gov.au/about-us/corpo...
12. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
13. https://www.accesshub.gov.au/
14. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
15. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
16. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
17. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
OFFICIAL
Good morning Mr Little,
I refer to your request transferred to the Department of Health,
Disability and Ageing (the department) on 11 September 2025 seeking access
to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI
Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
The statutory due date for your request is currently 10 November 2025.
Request for extension of time
Section 15AA of the FOI Act permits the department to extend the statutory
processing timeframe, with your agreement, for a period of up to 30
calendar days.
To ensure that the department has undertaken all reasonable steps to
process request, and for the decision maker to make a well-balanced
decision on access to any such documents identified (including
consideration of submissions received from third party consultation), the
department is seeking your agreement to an extension of 14 calendar days.
If you agree to this extension, the statutory due date will then be 24
November 2025. The department will, however, continue to process your
request as quickly as possible.
It would assist if you could please advise by COB tomorrow, 6 November
2025 if you agree to this extension of time. If we do not hear from you by
this date or if you do not agree to the extension, the department may
consider seeking an extension of time from the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner (OAIC) under section 15AB of the FOI Act.
We thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation as we continue to
process your request.
If you have any questions regarding any of the matters discussed in this
email, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at
[1][email address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 3 October 2025 2:38 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Freedom of Information Request FOI 26-2175 LD - Notification of
Affected Third Party Consultation [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Good afternoon Mr Little,
I refer to your request of date to the Department of Health, Disability
and Ageing (department), seeking access under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) to the following documents:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
Notice of Third Party Consultation
Documents have been identified in the scope of your request which contain
information relating to third parties. It has been determined that it
would be appropriate to consult with the affected third parties under
section 27 of the FOI Act prior to a decision on access to those documents
being made.
Section 15(6) of the FOI Act allows the timeframe for processing your
request to be extended by 30 days to facilitate this consultation.
Accordingly, the statutory due date for your request is now 10 November
2025.
The department will continue processing your request and provide you with
a decision on access as soon as we are able to do so.
Relevant provisions
The FOI Act, including the provisions referred to in this email, can be
accessed from the Federal Register of Legislation website:
[3]www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562.
If you require clarification of any of the matters discussed in this email
you should contact the department’s FOI Section by email at
[4][email address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [5][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[6][email address]>
Sent: Friday, 12 September 2025 8:35 AM
To: Ben Little <[7][FOI #13632 email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request FOI 26-2175 - Transfer of request
to Department of Health, Disability and Ageing [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Little,
I refer to your request received by the Department of Social Services
(DSS) for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). You have requested access to:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I am writing to tell you that on 11 September 2025, the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) has accepted transfer of
your request from DSS.
The reference number for your request is FOI 26-2175 Please ensure that
you quote this number in future correspondence with us concerning this
request.
Timeframes
Your request was received by DSS on 10 September 2025 and the 30-day
statutory period for processing your request commenced from the day after
that date. The department will treat your request as though we received it
the same day that DSS did. You should expect a decision from us by 10
October 2025. The period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult
third parties or for other reasons. We will advise you if this happens.
Other information
The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing
access to the documents. If this request attracts a charge you will be
notified in writing.
Unless you advise otherwise:
· any draft and duplicate documents will be excluded from the scope
of your request, and
· any Commonwealth employee names below Senior Executive Service
level and direct telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the
scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log
[8]www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-disclosure-log, subject to certain
exceptions. (For example, personal information will not be published where
this would be unreasonable.)
You can contact the FOI team via email at [9][email address] or by phone
on 02 6289 1666, should you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Jordan
FOI Administration Officer – Freedom of Information Section
Legal Advice and Legislation Branch
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [10][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations
peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and
their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and
present.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[11][Department of Social Services request email]>
Sent: Thursday, 11 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: Ben Little <[12][FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[13][Department of Social Services request email]>
Subject: Department of Social Services - FOI LEX 54621 - Notification of
transfer to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under section
16 of the FOI Act [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Good afternoon Ben Little
I refer to your correspondence received by the Department of Social
Services (the Department) on 10 September 2025, in which you requested
access under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 to:
‘a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability advocacy that
is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the Australian
Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the Foundational
Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT Professional
Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1 April 2025.
The subject matter of your request more closely relates to the functions
of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and they have agreed to
accept the transfer of your request under the provisions of section 16 of
the FOI Act.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will contact you directly
in relation to this matter.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the
Freedom of Information team at the Department of Health, Disability and
Ageing at [14][email address] or visit the FOI page of their website at
[15]Freedom of information (FOI) | Australian Government Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing for further information.
Regards
DSS FOI team
Information Law and Access
Programs and Information Legal
Department of Social Services
E: [16][Department of Social Services request email]
[17]National Relay Service
The Department of Social Services acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing
connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to
the Elders both past and present.
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Little
Sent: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 9:00 AM
To: FOI
Subject: Freedom of Information request - Reports in FOI LEX 54069
Dear Department of Social Services,
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I agree to the removal of all personal and identifying information, group
email addresses used for internal departmental purposes, duplicate copies
of, or parts of, documents (so the information is only released once); and
bank account details of third parties.
Yours faithfully,
Ben Little
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[18][FOI #13632 email]
Is [19][Department of Social Services request email] the wrong address for Freedom of Information
requests to Department of Social Services? If so, please contact us using
this form:
[20]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:
[21]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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[email address]
3. http://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C20...
4. mailto:[email address]
5. mailto:[email address]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
8. http://www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-d...
9. mailto:[email address]
10. mailto:[email address]
11. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
12. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
13. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
14. mailto:[email address]
15. https://www.health.gov.au/about-us/corpo...
16. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
17. https://www.accesshub.gov.au/
18. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
19. mailto:[Department of Social Services request email]
20. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/change_re...
21. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
Many thanks for your prompt response, and confirmation that you agree to a
14-calendar day extension of time under s 15AA of the FOI Act.
We confirm the statutory due date for your request has been extended and
you can expect to be notified of the department’s decision on or before 23
November 2025.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [1][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 12:42 PM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Request for an
extension of time [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our
organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Hannah,
I agree to the time extension.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Little
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Good morning Mr Little,
I refer to your request transferred to the Department of Health,
Disability and Ageing (the department) on 11 September 2025 seeking
access to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
(FOI
Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
The statutory due date for your request is currently 10 November 2025.
Request for extension of time
Section 15AA of the FOI Act permits the department to extend the
statutory processing timeframe, with your agreement, for a period of up
to 30 calendar days.
To ensure that the department has undertaken all reasonable steps to
process request, and for the decision maker to make a well-balanced
decision on access to any such documents identified (including
consideration of submissions received from third party consultation), the
department is seeking your agreement to an extension of 14 calendar days.
If you agree to this extension, the statutory due date will then be 24
November 2025. The department will, however, continue to process your
request as quickly as possible.
It would assist if you could please advise by COB tomorrow, 6 November
2025 if you agree to this extension of time. If we do not hear from you
by this date or if you do not agree to the extension, the department may
consider seeking an extension of time from the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner (OAIC) under section 15AB of the FOI Act.
We thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation as we continue to
process your request.
If you have any questions regarding any of the matters discussed in this
email, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at [1][email
address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 3 October 2025 2:38 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Freedom of Information Request FOI 26-2175 LD - Notification of
Affected Third Party Consultation [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Good afternoon Mr Little,
I refer to your request of date to the Department of Health, Disability
and Ageing (department), seeking access under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) to the following documents:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
Notice of Third Party Consultation
Documents have been identified in the scope of your request which contain
information relating to third parties. It has been determined that it
would be appropriate to consult with the affected third parties under
section 27 of the FOI Act prior to a decision on access to those
documents being made.
Section 15(6) of the FOI Act allows the timeframe for processing your
request to be extended by 30 days to facilitate this consultation.
Accordingly, the statutory due date for your request is now 10 November
2025.
The department will continue processing your request and provide you with
a decision on access as soon as we are able to do so.
Relevant provisions
The FOI Act, including the provisions referred to in this email, can be
accessed from the Federal Register of Legislation website:
[3][2]www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562.
If you require clarification of any of the matters discussed in this
email you should contact the department’s FOI Section by email at
[4][email address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [5][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[6][email address]>
Sent: Friday, 12 September 2025 8:35 AM
To: Ben Little <[7][FOI #13632 email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request FOI 26-2175 - Transfer of request
to Department of Health, Disability and Ageing [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Little,
I refer to your request received by the Department of Social Services
(DSS) for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). You have requested access to:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I am writing to tell you that on 11 September 2025, the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) has accepted transfer of
your request from DSS.
The reference number for your request is FOI 26-2175 Please ensure that
you quote this number in future correspondence with us concerning this
request.
Timeframes
Your request was received by DSS on 10 September 2025 and the 30-day
statutory period for processing your request commenced from the day after
that date. The department will treat your request as though we received
it the same day that DSS did. You should expect a decision from us by 10
October 2025. The period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult
third parties or for other reasons. We will advise you if this happens.
Other information
The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing
access to the documents. If this request attracts a charge you will be
notified in writing.
Unless you advise otherwise:
· any draft and duplicate documents will be excluded from the scope
of your request, and
· any Commonwealth employee names below Senior Executive Service
level and direct telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the
scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log
[8][3]www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-disclosure-log, subject to certain
exceptions. (For example, personal information will not be published
where this would be unreasonable.)
You can contact the FOI team via email at [9][email address] or by phone
on 02 6289 1666, should you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Jordan
FOI Administration Officer – Freedom of Information Section
Legal Advice and Legislation Branch
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [10][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First
Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout
Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past
and present.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[11][Department of Social Services request email]>
Sent: Thursday, 11 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: Ben Little <[12][FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[13][Department of Social Services request email]>
Subject: Department of Social Services - FOI LEX 54621 - Notification of
transfer to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under section
16 of the FOI Act [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Good afternoon Ben Little
I refer to your correspondence received by the Department of Social
Services (the Department) on 10 September 2025, in which you requested
access under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 to:
‘a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability advocacy that
is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the Australian
Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the Foundational
Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT Professional
Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1 April 2025.
The subject matter of your request more closely relates to the functions
of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and they have agreed
to accept the transfer of your request under the provisions of section 16
of the FOI Act.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will contact you directly
in relation to this matter.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the
Freedom of Information team at the Department of Health, Disability and
Ageing at [14][email address] or visit the FOI page of their website at
[15]Freedom of information (FOI) | Australian Government Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing for further information.
Regards
DSS FOI team
Information Law and Access
Programs and Information Legal
Department of Social Services
E: [16][Department of Social Services request email] [17]National Relay
Service
The Department of Social Services acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing
connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to
the Elders both past and present.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[4][FOI #13632 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:
[5]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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."
References
Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C20...
3. http://www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-d...
4. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
5. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
I refer to your request transferred to the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (department) on 11 September 2025 seeking
access to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
(FOI Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
The statutory due date for your request is currently 23 November 2025 (in
effect, 24 November 2025).
Seeking agreement to withdraw request
You have requested access to the Disability Advocacy Report (Report)
produced by The Social Deck for the Department of Social Services. The
Report has now been published online and is available at [1]Attachment A -
General Supports Consultation Report.
Noting the Report is now publicly available, the department is seeking
your confirmation by COB 17 November 2025 as to whether:
• you agree to withdraw your request with the department; OR
• you wish to proceed with your request and be issued a decision on
access for FOI 26-2175.
Please note that withdrawing your request will waive any review rights
under the FOI Act.
Should you require any clarification, please do not hesitate to contact
the department’s FOI Section at [2][email address].
We otherwise look forward to hearing from you by COB 17 November 2025.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [3][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 1:31 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: CM: RE: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Request for an
extension of time [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
Many thanks for your prompt response, and confirmation that you agree to a
14-calendar day extension of time under s 15AA of the FOI Act.
We confirm the statutory due date for your request has been extended and
you can expect to be notified of the department’s decision on or before 23
November 2025.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [4][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Little <[5][FOI #13632 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 12:42 PM
To: FOI <[6][email address]>
Subject: Re: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Request for an
extension of time [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our
organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Hannah,
I agree to the time extension.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Little
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Good morning Mr Little,
I refer to your request transferred to the Department of Health,
Disability and Ageing (the department) on 11 September 2025 seeking
access to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
(FOI
Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
The statutory due date for your request is currently 10 November 2025.
Request for extension of time
Section 15AA of the FOI Act permits the department to extend the
statutory processing timeframe, with your agreement, for a period of up
to 30 calendar days.
To ensure that the department has undertaken all reasonable steps to
process request, and for the decision maker to make a well-balanced
decision on access to any such documents identified (including
consideration of submissions received from third party consultation), the
department is seeking your agreement to an extension of 14 calendar days.
If you agree to this extension, the statutory due date will then be 24
November 2025. The department will, however, continue to process your
request as quickly as possible.
It would assist if you could please advise by COB tomorrow, 6 November
2025 if you agree to this extension of time. If we do not hear from you
by this date or if you do not agree to the extension, the department may
consider seeking an extension of time from the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner (OAIC) under section 15AB of the FOI Act.
We thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation as we continue to
process your request.
If you have any questions regarding any of the matters discussed in this
email, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at [1][email
address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 3 October 2025 2:38 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Freedom of Information Request FOI 26-2175 LD - Notification of
Affected Third Party Consultation [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Good afternoon Mr Little,
I refer to your request of date to the Department of Health, Disability
and Ageing (department), seeking access under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) to the following documents:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
Notice of Third Party Consultation
Documents have been identified in the scope of your request which contain
information relating to third parties. It has been determined that it
would be appropriate to consult with the affected third parties under
section 27 of the FOI Act prior to a decision on access to those
documents being made.
Section 15(6) of the FOI Act allows the timeframe for processing your
request to be extended by 30 days to facilitate this consultation.
Accordingly, the statutory due date for your request is now 10 November
2025.
The department will continue processing your request and provide you with
a decision on access as soon as we are able to do so.
Relevant provisions
The FOI Act, including the provisions referred to in this email, can be
accessed from the Federal Register of Legislation website:
[3][7]www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562.
If you require clarification of any of the matters discussed in this
email you should contact the department’s FOI Section by email at
[4][email address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [5][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[6][email address]>
Sent: Friday, 12 September 2025 8:35 AM
To: Ben Little <[7][FOI #13632 email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request FOI 26-2175 - Transfer of request
to Department of Health, Disability and Ageing [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Little,
I refer to your request received by the Department of Social Services
(DSS) for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). You have requested access to:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I am writing to tell you that on 11 September 2025, the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) has accepted transfer of
your request from DSS.
The reference number for your request is FOI 26-2175 Please ensure that
you quote this number in future correspondence with us concerning this
request.
Timeframes
Your request was received by DSS on 10 September 2025 and the 30-day
statutory period for processing your request commenced from the day after
that date. The department will treat your request as though we received
it the same day that DSS did. You should expect a decision from us by 10
October 2025. The period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult
third parties or for other reasons. We will advise you if this happens.
Other information
The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing
access to the documents. If this request attracts a charge you will be
notified in writing.
Unless you advise otherwise:
· any draft and duplicate documents will be excluded from the scope
of your request, and
· any Commonwealth employee names below Senior Executive Service
level and direct telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the
scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log
[8][8]www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-disclosure-log, subject to certain
exceptions. (For example, personal information will not be published
where this would be unreasonable.)
You can contact the FOI team via email at [9][email address] or by phone
on 02 6289 1666, should you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Jordan
FOI Administration Officer – Freedom of Information Section
Legal Advice and Legislation Branch
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [10][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First
Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout
Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past
and present.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[11][Department of Social Services request email]>
Sent: Thursday, 11 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: Ben Little <[12][FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[13][Department of Social Services request email]>
Subject: Department of Social Services - FOI LEX 54621 - Notification of
transfer to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under section
16 of the FOI Act [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Good afternoon Ben Little
I refer to your correspondence received by the Department of Social
Services (the Department) on 10 September 2025, in which you requested
access under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 to:
‘a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability advocacy that
is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the Australian
Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the Foundational
Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT Professional
Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1 April 2025.
The subject matter of your request more closely relates to the functions
of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and they have agreed
to accept the transfer of your request under the provisions of section 16
of the FOI Act.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will contact you directly
in relation to this matter.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the
Freedom of Information team at the Department of Health, Disability and
Ageing at [14][email address] or visit the FOI page of their website at
[15]Freedom of information (FOI) | Australian Government Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing for further information.
Regards
DSS FOI team
Information Law and Access
Programs and Information Legal
Department of Social Services
E: [16][Department of Social Services request email] [17]National Relay
Service
The Department of Social Services acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing
connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to
the Elders both past and present.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[9][FOI #13632 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:
[10]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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://engage.dss.gov.au/wp-content/upl...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[email address]
5. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. http://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C20...
8. http://www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-d...
9. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
10. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
We write to follow up the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s
email below in relation to your FOI request 26-2175.
The department is seeking your agreement to withdraw your request given
the Disability Advocacy Report produced by The Social Deck is available
online at [1]Attachment A - General Supports Consultation Report.
Noting the due date for your request is currently 23 November 2025, we
would be grateful to receive your response by COB tomorrow, 19 November
2025.
Please do not hesitate to contact the department’s FOI Section if you have
any queries.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 13 November 2025 2:55 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Seeking agreement to
withdraw request [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
I refer to your request transferred to the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (department) on 11 September 2025 seeking
access to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
(FOI Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
The statutory due date for your request is currently 23 November 2025 (in
effect, 24 November 2025).
Seeking agreement to withdraw request
You have requested access to the Disability Advocacy Report (Report)
produced by The Social Deck for the Department of Social Services. The
Report has now been published online and is available at [3]Attachment A -
General Supports Consultation Report.
Noting the Report is now publicly available, the department is seeking
your confirmation by COB 17 November 2025 as to whether:
• you agree to withdraw your request with the department; OR
• you wish to proceed with your request and be issued a decision on
access for FOI 26-2175.
Please note that withdrawing your request will waive any review rights
under the FOI Act.
Should you require any clarification, please do not hesitate to contact
the department’s FOI Section at [4][email address].
We otherwise look forward to hearing from you by COB 17 November 2025.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [5][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[6][email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 1:31 PM
To: Ben Little <[7][FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[8][email address]>
Subject: CM: RE: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Request for an
extension of time [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
Many thanks for your prompt response, and confirmation that you agree to a
14-calendar day extension of time under s 15AA of the FOI Act.
We confirm the statutory due date for your request has been extended and
you can expect to be notified of the department’s decision on or before 23
November 2025.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [9][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Little <[10][FOI #13632 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 12:42 PM
To: FOI <[11][email address]>
Subject: Re: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Request for an
extension of time [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our
organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Hannah,
I agree to the time extension.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Little
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Good morning Mr Little,
I refer to your request transferred to the Department of Health,
Disability and Ageing (the department) on 11 September 2025 seeking
access to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
(FOI
Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
The statutory due date for your request is currently 10 November 2025.
Request for extension of time
Section 15AA of the FOI Act permits the department to extend the
statutory processing timeframe, with your agreement, for a period of up
to 30 calendar days.
To ensure that the department has undertaken all reasonable steps to
process request, and for the decision maker to make a well-balanced
decision on access to any such documents identified (including
consideration of submissions received from third party consultation), the
department is seeking your agreement to an extension of 14 calendar days.
If you agree to this extension, the statutory due date will then be 24
November 2025. The department will, however, continue to process your
request as quickly as possible.
It would assist if you could please advise by COB tomorrow, 6 November
2025 if you agree to this extension of time. If we do not hear from you
by this date or if you do not agree to the extension, the department may
consider seeking an extension of time from the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner (OAIC) under section 15AB of the FOI Act.
We thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation as we continue to
process your request.
If you have any questions regarding any of the matters discussed in this
email, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at [1][email
address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 3 October 2025 2:38 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Freedom of Information Request FOI 26-2175 LD - Notification of
Affected Third Party Consultation [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Good afternoon Mr Little,
I refer to your request of date to the Department of Health, Disability
and Ageing (department), seeking access under the Freedom of Information
Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) to the following documents:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
Notice of Third Party Consultation
Documents have been identified in the scope of your request which contain
information relating to third parties. It has been determined that it
would be appropriate to consult with the affected third parties under
section 27 of the FOI Act prior to a decision on access to those
documents being made.
Section 15(6) of the FOI Act allows the timeframe for processing your
request to be extended by 30 days to facilitate this consultation.
Accordingly, the statutory due date for your request is now 10 November
2025.
The department will continue processing your request and provide you with
a decision on access as soon as we are able to do so.
Relevant provisions
The FOI Act, including the provisions referred to in this email, can be
accessed from the Federal Register of Legislation website:
[3][12]www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A02562.
If you require clarification of any of the matters discussed in this
email you should contact the department’s FOI Section by email at
[4][email address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [5][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[6][email address]>
Sent: Friday, 12 September 2025 8:35 AM
To: Ben Little <[7][FOI #13632 email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information request FOI 26-2175 - Transfer of request
to Department of Health, Disability and Ageing [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Little,
I refer to your request received by the Department of Social Services
(DSS) for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982
(FOI Act). You have requested access to:
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
I am writing to tell you that on 11 September 2025, the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) has accepted transfer of
your request from DSS.
The reference number for your request is FOI 26-2175 Please ensure that
you quote this number in future correspondence with us concerning this
request.
Timeframes
Your request was received by DSS on 10 September 2025 and the 30-day
statutory period for processing your request commenced from the day after
that date. The department will treat your request as though we received
it the same day that DSS did. You should expect a decision from us by 10
October 2025. The period of 30 days may be extended if we need to consult
third parties or for other reasons. We will advise you if this happens.
Other information
The department may impose a charge for the work involved in providing
access to the documents. If this request attracts a charge you will be
notified in writing.
Unless you advise otherwise:
· any draft and duplicate documents will be excluded from the scope
of your request, and
· any Commonwealth employee names below Senior Executive Service
level and direct telephone numbers of all staff will be excluded from the
scope of your request under s22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act.
Please note that information released under the FOI Act may later be
published online on our disclosure log
[8][13]www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-disclosure-log, subject to certain
exceptions. (For example, personal information will not be published
where this would be unreasonable.)
You can contact the FOI team via email at [9][email address] or by phone
on 02 6289 1666, should you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Jordan
FOI Administration Officer – Freedom of Information Section
Legal Advice and Legislation Branch
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [10][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First
Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout
Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past
and present.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[11][Department of Social Services request email]>
Sent: Thursday, 11 September 2025 2:23 PM
To: Ben Little <[12][FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[13][Department of Social Services request email]>
Subject: Department of Social Services - FOI LEX 54621 - Notification of
transfer to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under section
16 of the FOI Act [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Good afternoon Ben Little
I refer to your correspondence received by the Department of Social
Services (the Department) on 10 September 2025, in which you requested
access under the Commonwealth Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982 to:
‘a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability advocacy that
is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the Australian
Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the Foundational
Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT Professional
Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1 April 2025.
The subject matter of your request more closely relates to the functions
of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and they have agreed
to accept the transfer of your request under the provisions of section 16
of the FOI Act.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will contact you directly
in relation to this matter.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the
Freedom of Information team at the Department of Health, Disability and
Ageing at [14][email address] or visit the FOI page of their website at
[15]Freedom of information (FOI) | Australian Government Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing for further information.
Regards
DSS FOI team
Information Law and Access
Programs and Information Legal
Department of Social Services
E: [16][Department of Social Services request email] [17]National Relay
Service
The Department of Social Services acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing
connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our respects to
the Elders both past and present.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[14][FOI #13632 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:
[15]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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Visible links
1. https://engage.dss.gov.au/wp-content/upl...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. https://engage.dss.gov.au/wp-content/upl...
4. mailto:[email address]
5. mailto:[email address]
6. mailto:[email address]
7. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
8. mailto:[email address]
9. mailto:[email address]
10. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
11. mailto:[email address]
12. http://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C20...
13. http://www.health.gov.au/resources/foi-d...
14. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
15. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
Dear Hannah,
I agree to the withdrawal of my request provided the full report has been made available online.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Little
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
We refer to your FOI request 26-2175 transferred to the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (department) on 11 September 2025 seeking
access to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1975 (Cth)
(FOI Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
Publicly available report
On 13 November 2025, the department provided you with a link to the Report
published online at [1]Attachment A - General Supports Consultation Report
(Published Report), and sought your agreement to withdraw your request
given the report is publicly available.
We understand you agree to withdraw your request provided the full report
has been made available online.
The department wishes to clarify that the Published Report is a subsequent
iteration of the report prepared in accordance with milestone 7 of the
Contract (ID: 90015605), noting direct quotations obtained during
consultation processes have been removed from the Published Report on a
confidentiality basis.
For this reason, the department will continue to process your request in
accordance with its statutory obligations unless you instruct otherwise.
Request for an extension of time under s 15AA of the FOI Act
If you do not agree to withdraw your request, to ensure that the decision
maker can make a well-balanced decision on access to the document
identified, the department is seeking your agreement to a further
extension of 16-calendar days in accordance with s 15AA of the FOI Act.
If you agree to this extension, the statutory due date for your request
will be extended to 9 December 2025. The department will, however,
continue to process your request as quickly as possible.
It would assist if you could please advise by 12:00 midday, 24 November
2025 if you agree to this extension of time. If we do not hear from you by
this date or if you do not agree to the extension, the department may
consider seeking an extension of time from the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner (OAIC) under section 15AB of the FOI Act.
We thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation as we continue to
process your request.
If you have any questions regarding any of the matters discussed in this
email, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at
[2][email address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [3][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 8:15 AM
To: FOI <[email address]>
Subject: Re: *Seeking response by COB 19 November 2025* | Freedom of
Information Request 26-2175 - Seeking agreement to withdraw request
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
REMINDER: Think before you click! This email originated from outside our
organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Hannah,
I agree to the withdrawal of my request provided the full report has been
made available online.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Little
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
We write to follow up the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s
email below in relation to your FOI request 26-2175.
The department is seeking your agreement to withdraw your request given
the Disability Advocacy Report produced by The Social Deck is available
online at [1]Attachment A - General Supports Consultation Report.
Noting the due date for your request is currently 23 November 2025, we
would be grateful to receive your response by COB tomorrow, 19 November
2025.
Please do not hesitate to contact the department’s FOI Section if you
have any queries.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 13 November 2025 2:55 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Seeking agreement to
withdraw request [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
I refer to your request transferred to the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (department) on 11 September 2025 seeking
access to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
(FOI Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
The statutory due date for your request is currently 23 November 2025 (in
effect, 24 November 2025).
Seeking agreement to withdraw request
You have requested access to the Disability Advocacy Report (Report)
produced by The Social Deck for the Department of Social Services. The
Report has now been published online and is available at [3]Attachment A
- General Supports Consultation Report.
Noting the Report is now publicly available, the department is seeking
your confirmation by COB 17 November 2025 as to whether:
• you agree to withdraw your request with the department; OR • you wish
to proceed with your request and be issued a decision on access for FOI
26-2175.
Please note that withdrawing your request will waive any review rights
under the FOI Act.
Should you require any clarification, please do not hesitate to contact
the department’s FOI Section at [4][email address].
We otherwise look forward to hearing from you by COB 17 November 2025.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [5][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[6][email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 1:31 PM
To: Ben Little <[7][FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[8][email address]>
Subject: CM: RE: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Request for an
extension of time [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
Many thanks for your prompt response, and confirmation that you agree to
a 14-calendar day extension of time under s 15AA of the FOI Act.
We confirm the statutory due date for your request has been extended and
you can expect to be notified of the department’s decision on or before
23 November 2025.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [9][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[4][FOI #13632 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:
[5]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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the
addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or
dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you
receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately
and delete all copies of this transmission."
References
Visible links
1. https://engage.dss.gov.au/wp-content/upl...
2. mailto:[email address]
3. mailto:[email address]
4. mailto:[FOI #13632 email]
5. https://www.righttoknow.org.au/help/offi...
OFFICIAL
Good morning Ben,
I kindly write to follow up the department’s email below in relation to
your FOI request 26-2175.
I would be most grateful to receive your response as soon as possible to
inform next steps in relation to processing your FOI request.
If you require any clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the
FOI Section at [1][email address] or via the FOI hotline at (02) 6289
1666.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Friday, 21 November 2025 7:16 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Subject: *Seeking response by 12:00 Midday 24 November 2025* | Freedom of
Information Request 26-2175 - Seeking agreement to withdraw request
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
We refer to your FOI request 26-2175 transferred to the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (department) on 11 September 2025 seeking
access to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1975 (Cth)
(FOI Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
Publicly available report
On 13 November 2025, the department provided you with a link to the Report
published online at [3]Attachment A - General Supports Consultation Report
(Published Report), and sought your agreement to withdraw your request
given the report is publicly available.
We understand you agree to withdraw your request provided the full report
has been made available online.
The department wishes to clarify that the Published Report is a subsequent
iteration of the report prepared in accordance with milestone 7 of the
Contract (ID: 90015605), noting direct quotations obtained during
consultation processes have been removed from the Published Report on a
confidentiality basis.
For this reason, the department will continue to process your request in
accordance with its statutory obligations unless you instruct otherwise.
Request for an extension of time under s 15AA of the FOI Act
If you do not agree to withdraw your request, to ensure that the decision
maker can make a well-balanced decision on access to the document
identified, the department is seeking your agreement to a further
extension of 16-calendar days in accordance with s 15AA of the FOI Act.
If you agree to this extension, the statutory due date for your request
will be extended to 9 December 2025. The department will, however,
continue to process your request as quickly as possible.
It would assist if you could please advise by 12:00 midday, 24 November
2025 if you agree to this extension of time. If we do not hear from you by
this date or if you do not agree to the extension, the department may
consider seeking an extension of time from the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner (OAIC) under section 15AB of the FOI Act.
We thank you for your ongoing patience and cooperation as we continue to
process your request.
If you have any questions regarding any of the matters discussed in this
email, please do not hesitate to contact the FOI Section at
[4][email address].
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [5][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
-----Original Message-----
From: Ben Little <[6][FOI #13632 email]>
Sent: Wednesday, 19 November 2025 8:15 AM
To: FOI <[7][email address]>
Subject: Re: *Seeking response by COB 19 November 2025* | Freedom of
Information Request 26-2175 - Seeking agreement to withdraw request
[SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
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organisation. Only click links or open attachments if you recognise the
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Dear Hannah,
I agree to the withdrawal of my request provided the full report has been
made available online.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Little
-----Original Message-----
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
We write to follow up the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s
email below in relation to your FOI request 26-2175.
The department is seeking your agreement to withdraw your request given
the Disability Advocacy Report produced by The Social Deck is available
online at [1]Attachment A - General Supports Consultation Report.
Noting the due date for your request is currently 23 November 2025, we
would be grateful to receive your response by COB tomorrow, 19 November
2025.
Please do not hesitate to contact the department’s FOI Section if you
have any queries.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [2][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 13 November 2025 2:55 PM
To: Ben Little <[FOI #13632 email]>
Subject: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Seeking agreement to
withdraw request [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
I refer to your request transferred to the Department of
Health, Disability and Ageing (department) on 11 September 2025 seeking
access to the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
(FOI Act):
Please provide a copy of the report at milestone 7. Report on disability
advocacy that is listed in the contract between the Social Deck and the
Australian Government. Contract ID: 90015605, The Delivery of the
Foundational Supports Stakeholder Consultation Strategy in the BuyICT
Professional Services and Consultancy Change order signed by DSS on 1
April 2025.
The statutory due date for your request is currently 23 November 2025 (in
effect, 24 November 2025).
Seeking agreement to withdraw request
You have requested access to the Disability Advocacy Report (Report)
produced by The Social Deck for the Department of Social Services. The
Report has now been published online and is available at [3]Attachment A
- General Supports Consultation Report.
Noting the Report is now publicly available, the department is seeking
your confirmation by COB 17 November 2025 as to whether:
• you agree to withdraw your request with the department; OR • you wish
to proceed with your request and be issued a decision on access for FOI
26-2175.
Please note that withdrawing your request will waive any review rights
under the FOI Act.
Should you require any clarification, please do not hesitate to contact
the department’s FOI Section at [4][email address].
We otherwise look forward to hearing from you by COB 17 November 2025.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [5][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
From: FOI <[6][email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 5 November 2025 1:31 PM
To: Ben Little <[7][FOI #13632 email]>
Cc: FOI <[8][email address]>
Subject: CM: RE: Freedom of Information Request 26-2175 - Request for an
extension of time [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Ben,
Many thanks for your prompt response, and confirmation that you agree to
a 14-calendar day extension of time under s 15AA of the FOI Act.
We confirm the statutory due date for your request has been extended and
you can expect to be notified of the department’s decision on or before
23 November 2025.
Kind regards,
Hannah
Lawyer – Freedom of Information Section
Commercial and Information Law
Legal Division | Corporate Operations Group
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
T: 02 6289 1666 | E: [9][email address]
PO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Please note that this email and attachments may contain confidential or
legally privileged information. Please consult with the Legal Division
before disclosing any part of this email, or attachment, outside the
Department. If you receive this email in error, please delete it and
contact the sender immediately.
OFFICIAL
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[8][FOI #13632 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:
[9]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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
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Dear Hannah,
I agree to withdraw my request so long as the only items removed from the report I have a link to are direct quotes that have been removed due to confidentiality.
Yours sincerely,
Ben Little