Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) was
introduced to extend the right of every person to information held by
Government and its agencies. An applicant does not have to provide a reason for
requiring access. The FOI Act extends the right in 2 ways:
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Government agencies must 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 (Section
9 Statement).
-
Government agencies must provide access to documents in their possession unless
the document is within an exception or exemption specified in the legislation.
Understandably, access to all documents in the possession of the Government is
not possible as confidentiality must be maintained where it is necessary for
the protection of essential public interests and the private and business
affairs of persons and organisations in respect of whom information is
collected.
The Guide provides more information about how CSA deals with requests made
under FOI. FOI section of The Guide.
Freedom of Information (FOI) inquiries relating to CSA may be directed to:
FOI Team
Child Support Agency – Department of Human Services
GPO Box 9815
Sydney NSW 2001
Ph: 1300 559 365
Fax: 1300 721 055