Can I make a complaint if I am denied access to information?

• Yes. A government department or agency must tell you in writing their reasons for denying you access to information.
• You may seek an internal review from the agency or department where you lodged your FOI request if you are unhappy with their decision or you are unhappy with the way your application was handled.
• Grounds for seeking an internal review would include situations where you did not get a response within the legal timeframe or you were charged unnecessary fees.
• In some states and territories you are required to request an internal review before you can ask for an external review.
• If you do not feel that the internal review has resolved your complaint you may seek an external review from a relevant body. This may be an Information Commissioner, Ombudsman or a Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Our Freedom of Information Overview  sets out contact information for the relevant bodies in each state and territory and for the Commonwealth.
• You can use our Phone a Lawyer service for a preliminary legal consultation if you think you may need legal advice.