Do you offer legal advice?
We are not a law firm and cannot offer you legal advice. If you require legal advice on your matter we can provide you with a list of reputable law firms.
I’m not sure which agency to apply to. How do I work that out?
Government structures can be confusing. If you’re unsure who holds the records you want:
– Think about which department or authority would logically create or use the information.
– Check the agency’s official website to see what areas they cover.
– Call or email their general enquiries line to confirm whether they hold the documents you’re seeking.
– Don’t worry too much about perfection. If you lodge your FOI with the wrong authority, they are usually required to transfer it to the right one.
If you’re still stuck, Clearview FOI can advise you directly and point your request to the correct place.
Who is allowed to make an FOI request?
Anyone can lodge a Freedom of Information application in Australia, regardless of age, nationality, or where they live.
The Acts also allow companies and organisations to apply. Every person (including corporate entities) has a legal right to request access to government documents.
Why do you only accept focused requests?
Your application needs to be clear enough that an officer can identify which documents you want.
Keep it short and specific, ask for documents, not opinions or arguments. Long or emotive statements can confuse the request and slow things down.
Focused requests are more likely to be processed quickly and without dispute.
The authority I want isn’t listed anywhere. What should I do?
We work across federal, state, and local government. If you can’t see your authority in common directories, contact us.
Provide the agency’s name and, if possible, an email address for FOI requests, and we’ll confirm whether we can lodge on your behalf.
Why must I ask for “documents”?
The legislation gives you a right of access to documents, that is, material recorded in some form (reports, emails, file notes, etc.).
In some cases, an agency can create a document from information held electronically, but FOI doesn’t entitle you to broad answers or explanations.
It’s best to identify the existing records you want.
What fees apply?
– Federal and ACT agencies: no application fee.
– Most states and territories: an application fee of about $30 applies.
– Charges: Agencies may charge for time spent searching, collating, or copying records. They can only do this if you’ve agreed in advance.
– Waivers: Fees may be reduced or waived if release is in the public interest or you can show financial hardship.
In practice, many agencies will first suggest an “administrative release” pathway (informal release). This can be quicker and cheaper, but it doesn’t carry the same rights of review as a formal FOI.
How long does it take?
Most agencies must respond within 30 days. Extensions are possible (for example, if consultation with third parties is needed).
We track deadlines for you and remind agencies if they run late.
What if I get no response?
You can:
– Telephone the agency to confirm they received your request (spam filters sometimes block emails).
– Ask for an internal review if time has lapsed.
– Escalate to the relevant Information Commissioner, Ombudsman, or Tribunal if the matter remains unresolved.
Clearview FOI manages these steps for clients.
What if I’m unhappy with the decision?
If access is refused, or you don’t receive the information you expected, you have rights of review.
This usually involves an internal review by the agency, followed by escalation to the state or federal Information Commissioner, and in some cases Tribunal or Court review.
We handle review and appeal processes regularly.
Can I ask for my own personal records?
Yes, but if you’re seeking purely personal information (like your own file or health records) you may prefer to apply directly to the agency for privacy or administrative release.
We can advise which pathway is most appropriate.
Can my request remain confidential?
Yes. Unlike public archive sites, Clearview FOI is a private service. Your requests and responses remain confidential between you and the authority (unless you choose to share them).
Can I send the same request to multiple agencies?
Yes, though we recommend testing wording with one or two agencies first.
Their responses help refine your request before sending it more broadly. We can prepare and manage bulk or multi-agency FOI campaigns for you.
How does Clearview FOI add value compared to public request sites?
– Confidentiality: your requests are not published online.
– Expert guidance: we draft, lodge, follow-up, and appeal.
– Clarity: we keep your applications focused so agencies must deal with them.
– Support: we track deadlines, chase late responses, and advise on next steps.
Still have more questions?
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Contact us today to Discuss your FOI matter.