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The OIA for Ministers and agencies: A guide to processing official information requests

Charging
Conditions
Delay
Due particularity
Extension
Transfer
Legislation:
Official Information Act 1982
Section 2
Section 5
Section 6
Section 9
Section 12
Section 14
Section 15
Section 15A
Section 16
Section 18
Issue date:
Format:
PDF
Word
Language:
English

The purpose of this guide is to assist Ministers and government agencies in recognising and responding to requests for official information under the OIA.

The guide covers:

  • key principles and purposes of the OIA
  • Is my agency subject to the OIA?
  • What is official information?
  • Special categories of official information
  • What is not official information?
  • Eligibility to request official information
  • The form of an OIA request
  • An agency's duty to assist
  • Processing requirements, including timeframes, transfers, extensions, urgency and consultation
  • Making a decision, including reasons for refusal, conditions and charging
  • Communicating the decision and releasing information
  • Publication of information
  • Good faith protection

The guide includes a checklist for processing OIA requests, troubleshooting tips and template letters.

Last updated: