Our reference: FOI 24/25-0730
GPO Box 700 Canberra ACT 2601 1800 800 110 ndis.gov.au
18 March 2025
David Wright
By email: foi+request-12281-8cd33e8c@righttoknow.org.au
Dear David Wright
Freedom of Information request — Notice of Decision
Thank you for your correspondence of 4 November 2024, seeking access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) to documents held by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with a decision on your request.
Scope of your request
You have requested access to the following documents:
“I refer to document 7 in FOI 23/24-0029:
‘National Disability Insurance Agency 2023. Behaviourally based intervention for children on the autism spectrum: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.’ (version 2 - May 2023).
Page iv of the document sates that it was prepared by E Ghezzi and A Lampit.
I seek all communications held by the NDIA with and between E. Ghez zi and A. Lampit concerning this document (including but not limited to any drafts of the document which might be attached to these communications).
The request includes any such communications made both up to and after the finalisation of the document in May 2023.
These communications would include (but not be limited to) all email correspondence with and between E. Ghezzi and A. Lampit about the document.”
You have revised the scope of your request to be for the following documents:
“All previous drafts (created 1 month prior to) the report - “Behaviourally based intervention for children on the autism spectrum: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis” (version 2 - May 2023).”
Timeframe
A 30-day statutory period for processing your request commenced from 4 November 2024 in accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act. The due date for a decision on access was 3 January 2025. I note this time has lapsed and as a result we are deemed to have refused your request under section 15AC of the FOI Act.
Despite this, I have continued to process your application. I apologise for the delay and confirm that you retain your right to seek external review of this decision.
Extension of time
On 14 November 2024, you agreed to a 30-day extension of time under section 15AA of the FOI Act, making 3 January 2025 the new date to provide you with a decision on access.
Decision on access to documents
I am authorised to make decisions under section 23(1) of the FOI Act. My decision on your request and the reasons for my decision are set out below.
I have identified 4 documents, which fall within the scope of your request.
The documents were identified by Policy, Evidence and Practice Leadership who conducted searches of NDIA’s systems, using all reasonable search terms that could return documents relevant to your request, and consulting with relevant NDIA staff who could be expected to be able to identify documents within the scope of the request.
I have decided to grant access to 4 documents in full.
In reaching my decision, I took the following into account:
- your correspondence outlining the scope of your request
- the nature and content of the documents falling within the scope of your request
- the FOI Act
- the FOI Guidelines published under section 93A of the FOI Act
- consultation with relevant NDIA staff
- the NDIA’s operating environment and functions.
Release of documents
The documents for release, as referred to in the Schedule of Documents at Attachment A, are enclosed.
Rights of review
Your rights to seek a review of my decision, or lodge a complaint, are set out at Attachment B.
Should you have any enquiries concerning this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at fox@xxxx.xxx.xx.
Yours sincerely
Kate (KIM627) A/Assistant Director – Freedom of Information Non Personals Team Complaints Management & FOI Branch General Counsel Division
Attachment A
Schedule of Documents for FOI 24/25-0730
| Document number | Page number | Description | Access Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-166 | Behaviourally based interventions in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis (with comments) v2.0 Date: April 2023 |
FULL ACCESS |
| 2 | 167-332 | Behaviourally based interventions in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis v2.0 Date: May 2023 |
FULL ACCESS |
| 3 | 333-498 | Behaviourally based interventions in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis v2.0 Date: May 2023 |
FULL ACCESS |
| 4 | 499-667 | Behaviourally based interventions in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis v2.0 Date: 18 May 2023 |
FULL ACCESS |
Attachment B
Your review rights
As this matter was a deemed refusal, internal review of this decision is not an option. However, if you have concern with any aspect of this decision, please contact the NDIA FOI team by email foi@ndis.gov.au or by post:
Freedom of Information Section Complaints Management & FOI Branch General Counsel Division National Disability Insurance Agency GPO Box 700 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Review by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
The FOI Act gives you the right to apply to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to seek a review of this decision.
If you wish to have the decision reviewed by the OAIC, you may apply for the review, in writing, or by using the online merits review form available on the OAIC’s website at www.oaic.gov.au, within 60 days of receipt of this letter.
Applications for review can be lodged with the OAIC in the following ways:
- Online: www.oaic.gov.au
- Post: GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001
- Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au
- Phone: 1300 363 992 (local call charge)
Complaints to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner or the Commonwealth Ombudsman
You may complain to either the Commonwealth Ombudsman or the OAIC about actions taken by the NDIA in relation to your request. The Ombudsman will consult with the OAIC before investigating a complaint about the handling of an FOI request.
Your complaint to the OAIC can be directed to the contact details identified above. Your complaint to the Ombudsman can be directed to:
- Phone: 1300 362 072 (local call charge)
- Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au
Your complaint should be in writing and should set out the grounds on which it is considered that the actions taken in relation to the request should be investigated.