20321ab7_nformation_Commissioner___OAIC_reedom_of_Information_Act_1982_Issue_description
[FOI Act Part] Part III — Access to documents [FOI Act section] 29 [Recommended action] The Act should set a 30-day timeframe for an applicant to either pay a charge, seek review of the charge, or withdraw their request. If the applicant does not do so within the timeframe, the request should be taken to be withdrawn. [Issue description] 
The FOI Act does not set a time limit for an applicant to respond after the applicant has contested a charge and the agency has carried out an internal review. If the applicant fails to pay the new/reaffirmed charge or cannot be contacted, the request could be on hand indefinitely.
Review of freedom of information legislation| Office of the Australian Information Commissioner - OAIC
Issue description