About freedom of information
Freedom of information (FOI) law gives you the right to request access to documents held by the department. Most documents are provided in full, though some information may be withheld where its release would cause harm, for example personal information about another person or sensitive operational material.
You don't need to give a reason for your request, and you don't need to be a Commonwealth resident to make one.
How to make a request
Search published datasets, reports and decisions before lodging a request — the information you need may already be available.
Submit a written request describing the documents you're after, either online or by post. There is no fee to lodge a request.
The department locates and reviews the documents, consulting any third parties whose information is involved.
You'll receive a written decision on access, along with the documents released, within the statutory timeframe.
Timeframes
The department must decide your request within 30 calendar days of receiving it. This may be extended by up to 30 days where the department needs to consult a third party, or by agreement with you where a large volume of documents is involved.
Fees and charges
| Request type | Application fee | Processing charge |
|---|---|---|
| Personal information about you | No fee | No charge |
| General documents (up to 5 hours processing) | No fee | No charge |
| General documents (over 5 hours processing) | No fee | $20 per additional hour |
| Photocopying and postage | No fee | At cost, where applicable |
You'll be notified of any charge before it's applied, and you can revise your request to reduce the processing time and any resulting charge.
If your request is refused
If access is refused in full or in part, you'll receive written reasons for the decision. You can ask the department to review the decision internally, or apply to the Commonwealth Information Commissioner for external review.
Get in touch
Email foi@interstellar.gov.au or write to Department of Interstellar Planning, GPO Box 2127, Capitoline Station, Core Systems.