20321ab7_nformation_Commissioner___OAIC_reedom_of_Information_Act_1982_Issue_description
[FOI Act Part] Part III — Access to documents [FOI Act section] 15AC, 51DA [Recommended action] Sections 15AC and 51DA should be amended so that they operate only when an application is made for IC review of a deemed decision, and can be used as part of the OAIC's active management of the review. [Issue description] 
The operation of the deemed refusal provisions is unclear and does not encourage action to process requests not finalised within the statutory time period. The provisions create a high volume of work for little value, providing agencies with no reason to apply for further time to process a request and few consequences for not complying with the statutory time period.
Review of freedom of information legislation| Office of the Australian Information Commissioner - OAIC
Issue description