FOI External Review

Ombudsman SA may conduct an external review if you are aggrieved by an agency’s response to an application for access to documents, or to amend records.

An application for external review can only be made if:

  • an internal review of the determination has been conducted; or
  • the original determination has been made by or at the direction of the Principal Officer of the agency (usually the Chief Executive), or at the direction of a person or body to which the Principal Officer is responsible.

You may also seek an external review of the determination by the District Court.  If you do this, it prevents a further external review by Ombudsman SA.  However, if an external review is sought first from Ombudsman SA, the District Court is able to conduct a further external review at the conclusion of the Ombudsman's external review.

An application for review to Ombudsman SA should be made within 30 days of the agency’s determination.  The Ombudsman may in certain circumstances extend this time limit.

There are no fees involved in seeking a review.

 

Document Actions