Freedom of information
Freedom of Information (FOI) Act
The Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act) came into effect on 1 December 1982 to give members of the general public the right to access official documents of the Australian Government and its agencies unless the information is exempt from release.
The FOI Act also creates a right to the amendment of incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading information.
Please Note: A request for your own personal Medicare and/or Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) history can be obtained outside the FOI Act. For further information regarding this please contact:
Release of Information Officer
Medicare Australia
GPO Box 9822
In your Capital City
Email: co.information.release@medicareaustralia.gov.au
Requesting information under the FOI Act
An application for information under the FOI Act must be made in writing to:
Freedom Of Information Officer
Medicare Australia
PO Box 1001
TUGGERANONG DC ACT 2901
Please ensure that you clearly identify exactly what information you require. Where applications are broad in scope or it is difficult to determine which documents are sought, it may be necessary for the FOI Officer to contact you to discuss your requirements. Please provide a telephone number or email address that you can be contacted on.
All FOI requests attract an application fee of $30.00 and processing charges may apply. These fees and charges may be waived if you can prove financial hardship or that the release of the information is in the greater public interest. Please note that the FOI application does not become valid until payment is received. Please forward payment by cheque to the address listed above, including a copy of your drivers licence for verification purposes.
If you are dissatisfied with any decision concerning your application, you have the right to appeal the FOI Officer’s decision through an internal review. If this outcome is still unsatisfactory, you may also appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Ombudsman can also be contacted if you are dissatisfied with the way your request has been handled. Further information regarding the appeal process is available upon request.
If you require any further information regarding FOI or wish to discuss any aspect of a request, please contact Medicare Australia FOI Officers:
Telephone: (02) 6124 7914
Facsimile: (02) 6124 6935
Email: co.foi@medicareaustralia.gov.au
Last updated: 11 June, 2008