APPENDICES
Appendix F:
Freedom of information
Reforms to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), including amendments to the reporting requirements, commenced on 1 November 2010 and 1 May 2011.
Prior to the reforms, s.8 of the FOI Act required 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 those documents, and any arrangements for public involvement in the work of the agency. In this appendix, that information is provided for the period 1 July 2010 to 30 April 2011 inclusive.
Since 1 May 2011, agencies subject to the FOI Act have been required to publish information to the public as part of the Information Publication Scheme (IPS). The requirement is in Part II of the FOI Act and has replaced the former requirement to publish a s.8 statement in an annual report. An agency plan showing what information is published in accordance with the IPS requirements is accessible from the OPH website at moadoph.gov.au/about/freedom-of-information/.
Section 8 Statement for the period 1 July 2010 to 30 April 2011
Information about the agency
Relevant information regarding Old Parliament House’s functions, organisation and operations is contained in the Overview section of the annual report.
Powers
The agency makes decisions that affect members of the public. Those decisions are made having regard to the Heritage Management Plan 2008–13 and the Collection Management Policy.
Categories of documents
The agency 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; documents relating to 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 and its programs.
Facilities for access
No formal arrangements exist for physical access to documents other than the promotional materials that are made available on the premises. 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
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 8245
Fax: (02) 6270 8235
Email: foi@moadoph.gov.au
Charges may apply for costs associated with processing applications.
Information about facilities for people with disabilities 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.
Arrangements for outside participation
The Old Parliament House Advisory Council’s advice is sought in the development and implementation of a wide range of policies and proposals.
The Heritage Management Plan requires 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:
- A wide range of relevant organisations are represented on the Round Table of Prime Ministerial Research and Collecting Agencies. The primary aim of this group is to foster cooperation and collaboration among member agencies in such areas as collection development, travelling exhibitions and public programs. The agency provides secretariat and coordination support for the group, which meets once each year.
- Relevant professional organisations and collecting agencies make up the selection panel for Australian Prime Ministers Centre fellowships and summer scholarships. The panel met twice in 2010–11.
- The Expert Reference Panel assists in the future development of the Museum of Australian Democracy and the Australian Prime Ministers Centre. The panel is ongoing, but had no meetings in 2010–11.
- Visitors are encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences, and their comments are taken into account in planning and developing programs. This includes a provision for online feedback, via the agency website, at moadoph.gov.au/about/.
Applications received in 2010–11
The agency did not receive any applications under the FOI Act, or any requests for review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, during 2010–11.