20321ab7_nformation_Commissioner___OAIC_reedom_of_Information_Act_1982_Issue_description
[FOI Act Part] Part IV — Exempt documents [FOI Act section] 47F(5) [Recommended action] Section 47F(5)(a) should be amended to allow for a qualified person to be nominated who carries out any of the occupations listed in s 47F(7), and not just the same occupation as the person who provided the information in the document. This would be consistent with the Privacy Act, whichprovides for alternative access through the use of a 'mutually agreed intermediary' (NPP 6.3 and APP 12.6). [Issue description] 
Sections 47F(4) to (7) provide for access to be given to the applicant through a qualified person nominated by the applicant. The nominated qualified person must carry on the same occupation as the qualified person who provided the information in the document. This means, for example, if a document contains information provided by a psychologist, only a psychologist – and not a psychiatrist or a GP – can be nominated as the qualified person through whom the applicant is given access to the document.
Review of freedom of information legislation| Office of the Australian Information Commissioner - OAIC
Issue description