The object of the ACT Freedom of Information Act 1989 (the FOI Act) is to extend as far as possible the right of the community to access information in the possession of the ACT Government.
This right is limited only by exceptions and exemptions necessary for the protection of essential public interests. This includes the private and business affairs of persons in respect of whom information is collected and held by the Directorate.
The Directorate is required to prepare statements under sections 7 and 8 of the FOI Act. The Section 7 Statement concerns the publication of information about functions and documents of the Directorate. The Section 8 Statement refers to documents in the possession of the Directorate that are available for inspection and purchase. Both statements are available on the Directorate's website.
Section 7 Statement
In accordance with the requirements of section 7 of the FOI Act, the following statement is correct as at 30 June 2012.
Organisational functions and powers
The organisational functions and powers of the Directorate are described in Section C5. Legislation administered by the Directorate is listed in Section A2.
Public participation in decision-making
Arrangements for public participation in decision-making include:
- calling for public submissions
- holding public meetings and forums with opportunities for public discussion
- establishing committees for consultation on specific issues
- circulating draft documents, including policies, for public comment
- circulating draft bills before the Legislative Assembly
- community representation on public school boards
- engaging with the ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations
- receiving feedback through the Minister's Office.
Categories of documents
The Directorate holds several categories of documents including those:
- available on request and without charge
- that are part of a public register
- available for a fee
- available under the FOI Act, subject to the exemption provisions of the FOI Act.
Contracts executed by the Directorate after 1 October 2007, with a value of $20,000 and over, may be found on the ACT Government Contracts Register at http://www.procurement.act.gov.au/contracts
Documents available on request and without charge
Documents within this category include publications produced by the Directorate on various aspects of its activities. These publications are often distributed from public schools throughout the ACT and are usually available on the Directorate's website https://www.education.act.gov.au
Documents available under the FOI Act
Such documents may include:
- general records, including internal, interdepartmental and public documents such as minutes of meetings, agendas, background papers, and policies
- statements, correspondence and administrative records
- personnel records
- student records
- records held on microfilm, computer or paper in connection with Directorate functions
- financial records
- details of contracts
- operational policies.
Facilities for access
People seeking information are encouraged to first contact the Directorate before using the more formal FOI process. The Directorate contact for FOI is:
The FOI Coordinator
Information, Communications and Governance Branch
ACT Education and Training Directorate
GPO Box 158
CANBERRA ACT 2601
The physical location of the FOI Coordinator is:
220 Northbourne Avenue
BRADDON ACT 2612
Telephone: (02) 6207 6846
Fax: (02) 6205 9453
A regular bus service is available from most locations in the ACT to within walking distance of this location. Advice on bus services and times is available from https://www.transport.act.gov.au/ or by calling 13 17 10.
Short-term parking is available at the main entrance with reserved parking for people with disabilities.
For assistance with specific arrangements for access to the physical location, phone the Directorate on (02) 6205 9400.
Section 8 Statement
Section 8 of the FOI Act requires the Director-General of the Directorate to make available a list of documents Directorate staff use when making decisions. Examples include policies and publications. A full list is available on the Directorate's website.
Section 79(2) Statement
In accordance with section 79(2) of the FOI Act, the Directorate provides the following information regarding FOI requests received during the reporting year.
Access to decisions in relation to FOI requests are categorised as full release, partial release, entirely exempt, technical refusal (no documents located), still being processed, transferred and withdrawn.
Requests for access
In 2011-12, the Directorate processed a total of 41 requests, including three carried over from 2010-11, for access to documents. This compared with 40 requests for 2010-11. Table C4.1 outlines the access decisions made for these requests.
Table C4.1: Freedom of information decisions, 2011-12
Decisions | Number |
Full release | 3 |
Partial release | 21 |
Technical refusal (no documents) | 1 |
Entire exemption | 2 |
Transferred | 0 |
Withdrawn | 5 |
Incomplete at 30 June 2012 | 9 |
Requests handled outside the Act | 0 |
Total | 41 |
Source: Information, Communications and Governance Branch
Internal review applications
An application received in 2010-11 under section 59 of the FOI Act for a review of a decision was finalised in 2011-12. The application did not result in any information being released to the applicant.
for a review of a decision under section 59 of the FOI Act were received in 2011-12. Both applications resulted in additional information being provided to the applicants.
Fees and charges
The Directorate did not charge any fees in relation to the processing of requests in 2011-12.
Amendment of personal records
The Directorate did not receive any requests under section 48 of the FOI Act for the amendment of personal records in 2011-12.
For more information contact:
Director
Information, Communications and Governance
(02) 6205 7661