‎Hobart Ombudsman Jan O'Grady corrects some recently broadcast misinformation by explaining that Forestry Tasmania is indeed subject to the provisions of the FOI Act.

reported in Hobart Mercury

‎Regarding the Stateline program (February 20), I wish to clarify the position in relation to a request made to Forestry Tasmania for information under the Freedom of Information Act 1991.

‎Forestry Tasmania is subject to the provisions of the FOI Act.

‎As such, any person is entitled to seek to be provided with informa­tion contained in records in the possession of Forestry Tasmania.

‎Forestry Tasmania must provide the information requested unless the information is exempt under the FOI Act or the applicant is otherwise not entitled to the information.

‎An FOI application must be made in writing direct to Forestry Tasmania and should contain suf­ficient details of the information required to enable Forestry Tas­mania to identify the information.

‎There is no prescribed form. A request could be drafted as a letter.

‎The FOI Act provides for both the internal and external review of decisions. A person who is not satisfied with Forestry Tasmania's decisions may apply to the Om­budsman for an external review.

‎Jan O'Grady Ombudsman Hobart