Right to Know Day 2019

1. Look for self-service access portals or an administrative access policy
   If you want to access documents relating to you, check the agency’s website to see whether they have a self-service access portal or have an administrative access policy. If in doubt, call the agency and ask. You may able to get the documents you’re looking for by making a phone call.

2. Check agency websites
   If you’re interested in accessing documents that are not about you, check the agency’s website. They may already publish this information on their disclosure log or in their Information Publication Scheme entry. You can also look for this ‘Access to information’ icon.
   

3. Some statistics are already available for public use
   Check out data.gov.au for some statistics and data sets that agencies have already made available for public use. This includes data published by the OAIC on freedom of information statistics.

4. Be clear in your request
   It’s important to be specific and to the point. When you’re making an FOI request:

   • state that you’re requesting access to information under the FOI Act
   • state the document(s) you want, giving enough detail to help the agency or minister to identify the document(s)
   • give an address or email address where the agency or minister can send you the document(s)

5. Complex or large requests will take more time
   In most cases your FOI request will be decided in 30 days, however sometimes this time is extended to allow the agency time to consult with third parties or if your request is complex or covers many documents.

1. Government information is a national resource
   Government information is for public access and use. There is a presumption of openness in the FOI Act. Give access outside the FOI Act wherever you can. This may include through an administrative access scheme.

2. Help applicants with their request
   Help applicants meet the formal requirements to make an FOI request. If their request is too large or vague, help them narrow the scope. Keep in regular contact with them, especially if there’s any delay in making a decision.

3. Search records thoroughly
   Apply a flexible and common-sense approach to the wording of an FOI request. Make sure you search records thoroughly for the documents that could come within the scope of the request.

4. Meet the timeframes
   You have 30 calendar days to process a request, and another 30 days if you need to consult third parties. The applicant can also agree to a further 30 days. It’s very important that you meet the timeframes — beat them if possible. You can only apply to the Information Commissioner for an extension of time if you have sound reasons.

5. Keep good records
   Develop and maintain effective records to make processing FOIs as simple as possible. This includes keeping file notes and saving emails. This will make processing an FOI request more efficient for all parties. Use a schedule of documents in making a decision.

These figures are based on the OAIC’s 2017–18 annual report.

1. Department of Home Affairs
   Department of Home Affairs has consistently held the top position for several years: 14,177 requests in 2017-18 made up 41.17% of all FOI requests received that year.

2. Department of Human Services
   The Department of Human Services had the second highest number of FOI requests with 6,238 made. This accounted for 18.11% of requests.

3. Department of Veterans’ Affairs
   Almost 10% of FOI requests were made to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. This totalled 3,261 requests.

4. Administrative Appeals Tribunal
   The Administrative Appeals Tribunal made up 4.23% of FOI requests, with a total of 1,458 received.

5. Australian Taxation Office
   With 1,254 requests made to the Australian Taxation Office, they were the fifth most popular agency for FOI requests. This was 3.64% of all requests for the 2017-18 year.