About the Information Publication Scheme
Part II of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) establishes an Information Publication Scheme (IPS) for Australian Government agencies subject to the FOI Act. The IPS commenced on 1 May 2011 and requires the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) to make publicly available specific categories of information and information disclosed under the FOI Act.
The IPS aims to transform the freedom of information framework from one that responds to individual requests for access to documents, to one that requires agencies to take a proactive approach to publishing information.
Department of Defence Policies within the Australian Submarine Agency
Following the establishment of the ASA as a non-corporate Commonwealth entity within the Department of Defence (Defence) portfolio, the ASA initially met its IPS obligations with reference to the Defence IPS Plan.
Going forward, the ASA will meet its IPS obligations through compliance with this IPS Plan.
Who we are
The FOI Act requires the ASA to publish information about the agency’s organisation structure (section 8(2)(b)) and statutory appointments(Opens in a new tab/window) (section 8(2)(d)).
What we do
The FOI Act requires the ASA to publish a description of its functions and powers (section 8(2)(c)) as well as its operational information (section 8(2)(j)). This information can be found at https://www.asa.gov.au/about.
Our reports and responses to Parliament
The FOI Act requires the ASA to publish the information in its annual reports (section 8(2)(e)) as well as information held by the ASA that is routinely provided to Parliament in response to requests and orders from Parliament (section 8(2)(h)):
• Annual Reports
• Portfolio Budget Statements
• Senate Order 12 - Agency files
• Senate Order 13 - Entity contracts
Freedom of Information requests and disclosure
The FOI Act requires the ASA to make publicly available any documents that have been released in response to FOI requests (section 8(2)(g)). This information is published on the ASA’s FOI disclosure log.
Consultation arrangements
The FOI Act requires the ASA to publish the arrangements for members of the public to comment on specific policy proposals for which the ASA is responsible (section 8(2)(f)). Any such proposals will be published at https://www.asa.gov.au/about/planning-reporting.
Contacts
The FOI Act requires the ASA to publish contact details for an officer (or officers) who can be contacted about access to the ASA’s information or documents under this Act (section 8(2)(i)).
To submit a Freedom of Information request or for support, feedback or complaints, email asa.foi@defence.gov.au.