Introduction
The object of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) is to “extend as far as possible the right of the Australian community to access to information in the possession of the Government of the Commonwealth”.
The FOI Act aims to achieve this objective by:
- requiring Australian Government agencies to publish information about their operations and powers affecting members of the public as well as manuals and other documents used in making decisions and recommendations affecting the public;
- requiring agencies to provide access to documents in their possession unless the document falls within an exception or exemption necessary for the protection of essential public interests or the private and business affairs of persons in respect of whom information is collected and held; and
- creating a right to bring about the amendment of records containing personal information that is incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading.
How to make a Freedom of Information application
Applications for access to documents must be:
- in writing;
- provide enough information concerning the documents sought as is reasonably necessary to enable a responsible officer of the agency to identify them;
- specify an address within Australia to which notices can be sent; and
- be accompanied by the prescribed application fee of $30.00.
Applications should be sent to:
FOI officer
Office of the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner
GPO Box 9927
Melbourne VIC 3001
Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the Collector of Public Monies and sent to the above address.
Fees and charges
In addition to the application fee, the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) provides that charges may be imposed for processing requests. Fees and charges related to the request are applied by the ABCC in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Fees and Charges) Regulations. Such amounts may be remitted, reduced or not imposed for any reason, including where grounds of financial hardship or general public interest can be established.
Contacts
Telephone inquiries should be directed to the FOI Officer c/- (03) 8509 3016 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday (except public or public service holidays). Fax inquiries should be sent to (03) 8509 3023.
Further information
The Attorney-General’s Department internet site contains additional information about the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Act 1982.
In accordance with section 9 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) the ABCC is required to post a list of documents that are freely available to the public. Documents included in this list are those used by the ABCC in making decisions or recommendations in relation to its functions, with respect to rights, privileges, benefits, obligations or penalties, to which persons may be entitled or subject. Click here (PDF 43.1Kb) to view the statement.