The Crest of the Commonwealth of Australia Treasury Portfolio Ministers

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act) gives members of the public a general right of access to documents of an agency and official documents of a Minister, other than exempt documents.

The disclosure log on Treasury's website will include publicly available information released in response to FOI requests to Treasury Portfolio Ministers.

How to apply for access to documents

To make an FOI request the applicant should:

  • apply in writing. This can be either through email or a letter sent via post

    • TreasurerFOI@treasury.gov.au
    Phone: 6263 2020
    The Hon Wayne Swan MP
    PO Box 6022
    Parliament House
    CANBERRA ACT 2600

    ATFOI@treasury.gov.au
    Phone: 6263 3366
    The Hon Bill Shorten MP
    PO Box 6022
    Parliament House
    CANBERRA ACT 2600

    PSTFOI@treasury.gov.au
    Phone: 6277 4199
    The Hon David Bradbury MP
    PO Box 6022
    Parliament House
    CANBERRA ACT 2600

  • State that documents are being sought for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act;
  • Specify a postal or email address where correspondence can be sent (a telephone number will also be helpful in case further information is required); and
  • Describe as clearly as possible the information being sought (include any reference numbers or articles that may assist in indentifying specific material).

The request will be valid from the date that the request has been clearly clarified.

Request process

FOI requests will be processed within 30 days unless:

  • The subject matter is more closely connected to another agency, which may result in transfer to the relevant or appropriate agency; or
  • Third party consultations are required, in which case an additional 30 days may be added; or
  • Additional time is requested from the Australian Information Commissioner in cases of complex or voluminous requests; or
  • A decision has been made to impose charges.

Once the FOI request has been completed any available documents will be forwarded to the applicant. If the requested documents or parts thereof are within an exemption specified in the Act, reasons will be provided for any decision to exempt.

Charges

The Act provides that charges involved in processing FOI requests may be levied. The rates of charges are fixed in accordance with regulations made under the Act.

Further information can be found at FOI (Fees and Charges) Amendment Regulations 2010 and oaic.gov.au.

Review Rights

Applicants have the right of a review of FOI decisions made by Ministers in the Treasury portfolio. The following options are available:

Review by the Australian Information Commissioner

Applications may be made to the Australian Information Commissioner for a review of the following decisions:

  • a deemed decision (where a decision was not made in the specified time); or
  • an original decision.

Applications must be made within 60 days after receiving the decision to be reviewed. The Australian Information Commissioner may extend that time in certain circumstances.

Further information can be found at oaic.gov.au.

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)

Decisions made by the Australian Information Commissioner may be appealed through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Australian Information Commissioner will provide information on how to appeal in their response.

Further information can be found at: Applying to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal