Freedom of Information processing period calculator

The OAIC’s Freedom of Information processing period calculator is an interactive tool created in Excel, which assists Freedom of Information practitioners to calculate the period during which they are required to process access requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (the FOI Act).

The calculator takes into account the full variety of factors that may affect the default processing period set out in s 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act, including:

• request consultation processes (s 24AB(8));
• decisions to impose charges (s 31(2));
• requirements to consult a state, business or individual (s 15(6)) or a foreign entity (s 15(7));
• extensions of time with the agreement of the applicant (s 15AA); and
• extensions of time granted by the OAIC (ss 15AB, 15AC, 51DA).

Guidance about the effect of these circumstances on the processing period may be found in Part 3 of the FOI Guidelines.