Annual Report 2003-2004: Appendices

Appendix H

Freedom of Information Matters

This appendix needs to be read in conjunction with Freedom of Information section in Chapter 3 of this report.

Organisation, functions and powers affecting the public

The Office's organisation chart and functions are detailed in Chapter 1 of this report. The Official Secretary is the decision-maker under section 23 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) in respect of requests for access.

FOI procedures and initial contact point

Individuals seeking access to documents relating to matters of an administrative nature in the possession of the Official Secretary should forward a $30 application fee and apply in writing to:

     The Official Secretary to the Governor-General
     Government House, Canberra ACT 2600
     Tel: 02 6283 3533, Fax: 02 6281 3760.

Initial access inquiries may be directed to the FOI Contact Officer on 02 6283 3512.

Charges

The Office's policy on levying charges under FOI regulations is that, where applicable, fees should be collected and charges imposed for processing FOI requests. However, fees may be remitted, and charges reduced or not imposed, if the Official Secretary is satisfied that a relevant reason to do so exists. If access is approved, the Official Secretary will provide copies of documents after the Office receives payment of any charges that apply.

Categories of documents

DOCUMENTS OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE NATURE

>	These documents include personnel records, organisation and staffing records, and financial and expenditure records.

DOCUMENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ACCESS SUBJECT TO A FEE OR OTHER CHARGE

>	The Office holds no documents in this category.

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR ACCESS OR PURCHASE SUBJECT TO A FEE OR OTHER CHARGE

>	The Office holds no documents in this category.

DOCUMENTS CUSTOMARILY AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE UPON REQUEST

>	These include the Governor-General's speeches, and pamphlets on Government House, Admiralty House, the Order of Australia and Australian bravery decorations. A limited number of copies of the Office's annual reports are also available.