The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) gives the public a right to seek access to documents held by Defence.

Under the Information Publication Scheme (IPS), Australian Government agencies are required to publish a broad range of information.

Why make a FOI request

A FOI request should be made when:

• seeking Defence corporate information created on or after 1 January 2004
• seeking to amend or annotate personal information held by Defence
• seeking access to personal documents following the outcome of a Personal Information request.

Personal information requests

If seeking requests for personal information (current or ex-serving Australian Defence Force member), the request must be made in the first instance via the Personal Information request. 

Requests submitted to access personal information without first submitting a request via the Personal Information request may be redirected within Defence.

How to make a FOI request

Make an FOI request by using the online form, or by submitting a request in writing to foi@defence.gov.au or send to the Defence FOI postal address.

Acknowledgement of a FOI request will be sent within 14 days. An estimate of any fees will be provided before the request is processed.

What to expect

Defence will send a letter explaining the decision within 30 days, unless otherwise notified. Defence may extend the 30 day period to complete a request when:

• the requestor agrees to the extension of time
• the request captures a large amount of information
• Defence is required to consult third parties.

Information might be redacted, or denied in full, where it is exempt from release under the FOI Act.

The FOI Business Rules provides further information about how Defence will process the FOI request.

Defence Freedom of Information Business Rules (PDF, 738.82 KB)

Certain FOI request outcomes are published on the FOI disclosure log page.

Request a review

Where the requestor is not satisfied with the decision, they have the right to request a review.

• Defence internal review - must be requested via email to foireview@defence.gov.au within 30 days of receipt of the decision.
• External review by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner - must be requested within 60 days of receipt the decision.

Exempt bodies

The following Defence bodies are exempt from the functions of the FOI Act.

• Australian Signals Directorate
• Defence Intelligence Organisation
• Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (with the exception of the Australian Hydrographic Office).

FOI also does not provide contact details for any current or past Defence employees.