Senator Robert Ray asked the Special Minister of State, upon notice, on 8 March 1999:

(1) How many freedom of information requests were received by the Australian Electoral Commission in the 1996-97 and 1997-98 financial years.

(2) How many of those requests were: (a) granted partially or in full; and (b) refused.

(3) In how many instances was a fee waiver: (a) sought; and (b) granted, either partially or in full.

Senator Ellison (Special Minister of State) —The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) 1996-97—4 FOI requests were received. 1997-98—4 FOI requests were received

(2) (a) 1996-97—4 FOI requests were granted partially or in full. 1997-98—4 FOI requests were granted partially or in full.

(b) 1996-97—nil FOI requests were refused. 1997-98—nil FOI requests were refused

(3) (a) 1996-97—No waivers were actually sought, however the AEC waived fees and charges for two of the requests made by people seeking access to their own personal records. 1997-98—One actual request for waiver was received. Fees and charges were waived for another two requests made by people seeking access to their own personal records.

(b) 1996-97—nil waivers granted. 1997-98—1 waiver granted.