Freedom of Information Guidelines
Freedom of Information Guidelines provide authoritative advice to decision makers on processing FOI requests and applying the FOI Act. The Guidelines replace the previous Freedom of Information Memoranda and should consulted for current information. Further Guidelines will be added progressively. Archived Memoranda are still available online but should not be relied upon.
- FOI Guidelines - Fundamental principles and procedures Word 589KB | PDF 476KB
- FOI Guidelines - Exemptions sections in the FOI Act (31 December 2007) Word 589KB | PDF 481KB
- FOI Guidelines - FOI Section 26 notices: Statements of reasons Word 132KB | PDF 76KB
- FOI Guidelines - Reporting and disclosure obligations of agencies RTF 318KB | PDF116KB
- FOI Guidelines - Review of FOI decisions Word 224KB | PDF 338KB
- FOI Guidelines - Fees and charges Word 279KB | PDF140KB
- FOI Guidelines - Guide to consultation and transfer of requests Word 156KB | PDF 95KB
- FOI Guidelines - Amendment and annotation of records Word 112KB | PDF 68KB
Archived Freedom of Information Memoranda
The previously valid Freedom of Information Memoranda have been superseded by Freedom of Information Guidelines. They are provided here only for historical purposes and should not be relied upon. The Freedom of Information Guidelines should be consulted for current information.
- List of FOI Memoranda - July 2000 - PDF 26KB - Table listing FOI memoranda. Memoranda have been deleted where they have been replaced by a later Memorandum or all matters dealt with in those Memoranda are no longer relevant.
- FOI Memoranda No.19 - December 2005 - PDF 446KB - Fundamental principles and procedures: Guidelines for those involved in processing FOI requests.
- FOI Memoranda No.20 - 1998-1999 - PDF - 51KB - Guidelines for Completing Quarterly and Annual Statistical Returns.
- FOI Memoranda No.26 - June 1993 - PDF 239KB - Section 26 Notices: Statements of Reasons.
- FOI Memoranda No.26A - June 1996 - PDF 19KB - Arrangements with regard to consultation with state governments under section 26A.
- FOI Memoranda No.29 - November 1992 - MS Word 361KB - The scheme of application fees and processing and access charges.
- FOI Memoranda No.92 - October 1991 - PDF 46.4KB - Explanation of changes effected by the Freedom of Information Amendment Bill 1991.
- FOI Memoranda No.93 - February 1992 - MS Word 42KB - Relationship between FOI Act and Privacy Act 1988.
- FOI Memoranda No.94 - June 1994 - PDF 103KB - Explanation of changes since the commencement of the Freedom of Information Amendment Act 1991.
- FOI Memoranda No.95 - June 1995 - PDF 153KB - Explanation of Freedom of Information (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations.
- FOI Memoranda No.96 - June 1995 - PDF 36KB - Time limits under the FOI Act.
- FOI Memoranda No.97 - July 1996 - PDF 129KB - Explanation of various statutory amendments.