The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has issued a consultation paper Personal and business information — Third party review rights under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) requires agencies and ministers to consult third parties before deciding to release certain categories of documents in response to requests under the Act. Third parties can also apply for internal and Information Commissioner (IC) review of decisions by agencies and ministers to release information under the Act.

The paper outlines the processes when third party personal and business information is involved in an FOI request.