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Freedom of information

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We make a range of information available for public access. You can also formally request access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) to documents we hold.

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Covid-19

It is anticipated that the COVID-19 pandemic may affect the ability of CASA to comply with the statutory timeframes in the FOI Act because of reduced or alternative staffing arrangements.

Section 15AA of the Act states that the period of time for dealing with a request may be extended with the applicant’s agreement, but for no more than 30 days. While it is unlikely that an extension will be exercised, your agreement for an initial 15 day extension from the due date of the decision will be sought as part of your FOI application form. You will be notified if this extension is exercised and CASA will contact you if agreement for a further 15 days is required.

Should you not agree, and an extension of time is necessary, CASA may apply to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner for an extension. This may result in an extension greater than the 15 days sought in CASA’s FOI application form.

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How to apply for access to documents

Online form

You can make a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by completing the FOI application form. Once completed and submitted, CASA’s Freedom of Information Officer will contact you via the email address you provide in the form.

A request for access under the FOI Act can only be for documents and not for information (i.e. answers to questions). Should you require information that does not involve access to documents, please contact gps@casa.gov.au

Post

You can also make an FOI request by writing to us as follows:

Freedom of Information Officer
Advisory and Drafting Branch
Legal, International and Regulatory Affairs Division
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
GPO Box 2005
Canberra ACT 2601

Your request should:

  • state that documents are being sought for the purposes of the Freedom of information Act
  • give us an address where we can send correspondence. A telephone number is helpful in case we need to contact you about providing more information
  • be specific about the documents being sought. Include any reference numbers, date range or document titles that may assist in identifying specific material.
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What are your rights?

You have the right of a review of FOI decisions made by us. The following two options are available.

Internal review

An application for an internal review should be made within 30 days of receiving the decision. An independent review will take place and a decision made within 30 days.

External review by the Australian Information Commissioner

You can apply to the Australian Information Commissioner for a review within 60 days of receiving the decision. You must apply in writing and you can lodge your application in one of the following ways:

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Fees and charges

While it does not cost anything to lodge an FOI access request, you may be subject to charges under section 29 of the FOI Act for your request to progress. Charges will not be imposed for an access request regarding your own personal information.

You will be notified of any relevant charges following receipt of your access request and you will be provided with the opportunity to notify CASA as to how you wish to proceed. The fees imposed are for processing your request and payment of the fees is not a guarantee that access to documents will be granted. The fees include the time dedicated to searching for and retrieving relevant documents, decision making time, photocopying and other costs. If your request incurs any fees, you will be notified as soon as possible and given an estimate of the fees. Your request will not be processed until the relevant fees are paid.

Regardless of whether fees are paid, subject to document sensitivity, it is possible that access may not be granted, as exemptions may apply.

You can pay for any processing charges by credit card or cheque.

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Information publication scheme

The information publication scheme requires agencies to publish a broad range of information on their websites about their functions and how they go about them.

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Further information

If you need further information or have any questions about accessing documents under the FOI Act, please contact the FOI Coordinator:

Freedom of Information Coordinator
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
GPO Box 2005
Canberra ACT 2601

Phone: (02) 6217 1804
Email: freedomofinformation@casa.gov.au

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