Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 extends the right of every person to access information that is in the possession of the Australian Government and its authorities:
- It requires Australian Government agencies (departments and authorities) to publish information about their operations and powers affecting members of the public as well as their manuals and other documents used in making decisions and recommendations affecting the public; and
- It requires agencies to provide access to documents in their possession unless the document is within an exception or exemption specified in the legislation.
Access to all documents in the possession of the Government may not be possible as confidentiality must be maintained where it is necessary for the protection of essential public interests or the private or business affairs of persons and organisations in respect of whom information is collected.
Freedom of Information (FOI) enquiries relating to DHS may be directed to:
FOI Contact Officer
Department of Human Services
PO Box 3959
MANUKA ACT 2603
Fax: 02 6223 4499
Tel: 1300 55 44 79