Print this pageThe Freedom of Information Act 1982 gives individuals rights to see documents held by Australian Government ministers and agencies, with some exceptions. Section 8 of the Act requires us to report on:
- our organisation and functions–these are described in Chapter 1
- arrangements for outside participation in policy development–these are described in Chapter 7
- the types of documents we hold, and
- our FOI procedures, facilities and contact details.
The types of documents we hold include:
- submissions to and the official records of the Cabinet, its committees and the Federal Executive Council
- documents of Royal Commissions and other major inquiries
- representations to the Prime Minister on every aspect of government activity
- working files including departmental correspondence, analysis and advice
- internal administrative records such as personnel files, staffing and financial records and office procedures, and
- documents usually available free of charge including government policy statements and communiqués.
Our annual report and selected other documents relating to PM&C are available free of charge on our website at www.pmc.gov.au.
More information about the classes of personal information we hold is available from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at www.privacy.gov.au/government/digest.
To lodge an FOI request, you must contact us in writing–this can be by mail, fax or email. You must provide an address in Australia where we can send you notices under the Act. You should also include:
- the $30 application fee–please send a cheque or money order made out to the Collector of Public Monies
- as much detail as possible about the document(s) you wish to access, and
- a phone number in case we need to clarify your request.
If your request is approved, you will be provided with an opportunity to inspect the records at our Canberra office or with a copy of the records. Copying charges may apply.
You can apply to the National Archives of Australia for access to records that are more than 30 years old.
Under the Archives Act 1983, special access may be available to:
- former Governors-General, ministers and senior officials who wish to refresh their memories of records they personally dealt with while in office
- people connected to government who have placed their personal records in NAA custody, and
- people researching authorised biographies of office holders, or major works that are considered to be of national importance.
More Information can be obtained from PM&C's Freedom of Information Coordinator.
Please contact:
FOI Coordinator
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
PO Box 6500
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Email foi@pmc.gov.au
Phone 02 6271 5849
Fax 02 6271 5776