Appendices
Appendix F Freedom of information
Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) requires each Australian Government agency to publish detailed information about the way it is organised, its powers, the kinds of decisions it makes, the documents it holds, the way members of the public can obtain access to these documents and any arrangements for public involvement in the work of the agency.
This annual report includes information about the organisation and major functions of Old Parliament House. The following statement supplements the general information provided elsewhere in this annual report.
Information about the agency
Relevant information regarding Old Parliament House’s functions, organisation and operations is contained elsewhere in this annual report.
Powers
Old Parliament House makes decisions that affect members of the public. These decisions are made having regard to the Heritage Management Plan 2008–13 and the Collection Management Policy.
Categories of documents
Old Parliament House holds a large range of documents in the following categories:
- General policy—administrative files, consultants’ reports, memorandums of understanding, agreements, submissions, guidelines for programs, financial records, staffing records, Chief Executive’s Instructions, and tender evaluations and contracts
- Specific—Advisory Council records; the Australian Prime Ministers
Centre research and scholarship program; and documents relating to the development and maintenance of exhibitions, visitor programs, collection development and maintenance, interpretation of the site and conservation and maintenance of the building and its heritage values
- Parliamentary—briefing documents, ministerial submissions, policy advice and ministerial correspondence
- Public—promotional and visitor information on the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and its programs.
Facilities for access
Other than promotional material which is made available on the premises, no formal arrangements exist for physical access to Old Parliament House documents. A number of promotional documents and planning documents, such as the Corporate Plan and Heritage Management Plan, are made available for electronic access through the agency’s website.
Procedures and contact details
Information about freedom of information requests can be obtained from the FOI Contact Officer. Decisions on whether original documents or copies will be made available will be made in consultation with the applicant.
Members of the public seeking access to documents under the FOI Act should make a request in writing to the agency. Requests should include contact details and an Australian address to which notifications can be posted, and should be addressed to:
Freedom of Information Contact Officer
Old Parliament House
PO Box 7088
CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
Phone: (02) 6270 8171
Fax: (02) 6270 8235
Email: foi@moadoph.gov.au
No initial fees apply for lodging FOI applications, but charges may apply for costs associated with processing applications.
Arrangements for outside participation
The Old Parliament House Advisory Council’s views are sought on a wide range of issues and taken into account in the development of policy, procedures and programs.
The Heritage Management Plan requires agency management to maintain ongoing consultation with community and government bodies regarding any proposed actions that would affect the site’s heritage values.
The agency also liaises with relevant groups and organisations on key common issues, policies and programs, as appropriate. In particular, an Expert Advisory Panel exists to assist in the future development of the Australian Prime Ministers Centre.
Visitors are also encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences, and their comments are taken into account in planning and developing programs.
Applications received in 2008–09
The agency did not receive any applications under the FOI Act during 2008–09. The agency also did not receive any requests for review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal during 2008–09.