Respond to FOI requests within 30 days (Cwlth agencies + ministers)
FOI Act 1982 — Commonwealth agencies + ministers must respond to access requests within 30 days.
highcurrentevent driven
Who must comply
Commonwealth agencies + ministers.
What triggers it
Receipt of FOI request.
When due
30 days (extendable in limited circumstances).
Evidence required
FOI decision + statement of reasons + record of consultation.
Max penalty
OAIC review + AAT review; reputational
Summary
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cwlth) gives a right of access to documents held by Commonwealth agencies + ministers (subject to exemptions). Decisions within 30 days; review pathway via internal review + OAIC + AAT.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Topics
foitransparency
Related obligations
- VICComply with Vic FOI Act 1982 (state)Victorian agencies + ministers respond to state FOI requests within 30 days.
- CWLTHRegister under Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS)Persons undertaking activities on behalf of foreign principals in Australia must register with the AG's Department.
- CWLTHBeneficial ownership transparency (Tranche 3 — under consultation)Proposed beneficial ownership register for unlisted companies and trusts — consultation through 2024-2025; commencement TBD.
- CWLTHRegister on the Federal Lobbyists RegisterThird-party lobbyists contacting Commonwealth officials must register + observe the Lobbying Code.
- CWLTHPolitical donation disclosure thresholds (federal + state)Federal disclosure threshold $17,300+ (2024-25). State thresholds + caps vary.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Respond to FOI requests within 30 days (Cwlth agencies + ministers)?
- Commonwealth agencies + ministers.
- What triggers Respond to FOI requests within 30 days (Cwlth agencies + ministers)?
- Receipt of FOI request.
- When is Respond to FOI requests within 30 days (Cwlth agencies + ministers) due?
- 30 days (extendable in limited circumstances).
- What is the maximum penalty for Respond to FOI requests within 30 days (Cwlth agencies + ministers)?
- OAIC review + AAT review; reputational
- What evidence is required for Respond to FOI requests within 30 days (Cwlth agencies + ministers)?
- FOI decision + statement of reasons + record of consultation.
Source: https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.