Senator MINCHIN (Special Minister of State;Minister Assisting the Prime Minister) —On Wednesday 8 July, Senator Ray asked me a supplementary question without notice regarding the release of information under the Freedom of Information Act. Senator Ray's question was specifically in relation to the release of information under the act in regard to the Kennedy report. I will now read the reply.

As Senator Ray should know, due process for a response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act to the Department of Finance and Administration is a matter for the department, not the minister. Due process was followed in this matter, and I was neither consulted on nor advised of the department's decision or the reasons for it.

I am advised that the department's response to the freedom of information request included details of the process which applicants may follow should they be dissatisfied with the department's decision; that they may seek internal review of the decision within 30 days of receiving it; and, if still not satisfied following internal review, they may apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for review of the original decision. I am also advised that these review rights were not exercised in this case, but I am sure that the department would give due consideration to a late request for review.