Organization : Tonga Freedom of Information
Type of Facility : Tongas Right To Request Access to Information
Country: Tonga
Website : http://www.foi.gov.to/
Tongas Right To Request Access to Information :
What is an appeal/review?:
You may file an administrative appeal if you are not satisfied with an agency’s initial response to your request.
Related : Ministry of Revenue & Customs eTax Registration Tonga : www.statusin.org/28165.html
First, you may contact the FOI Unit or agency handling the request through its FOI Contact Public Liaison. The FOI Contact Public Liaison is there to explain the process to you, assist in reducing any delays, and help resolve any disputes. Often, a simple discussion between you and the agency will resolve any issues that may arise.
If necessary, filing an appeal is very simple. Typically, all you need to do is send a letter to the agency stating that you are appealing the initial decision made on your request. There is no fee or cost involved. After an independent review, the appellate authority will send you a letter advising you of its decision.
The time period for the Information Commissioner to review the decision and make a new determination will be a maximum of 30 working days from the date the application for external review is lodged.
How do I make a complaint?:
In most cases you will need to make your complaint to the authority you are complaining about in the first instance. If you contact the Information Commissioner you may be asked to follow this process prior to lodging a complaint with this office. This will allow the authority you are complaining about the opportunity to resolve the complaint.
How long have I got to complain?:
Generally speaking, you should make your complaint to the Information Commissioner within 12 months of finding out about the decision or action you want to complain about. If there is a good reason why you were not able to contact the Ombudsman/Information Commissioner before then, we will consider your reason.
Who can complain to the Ombudsman?:
Anyone can make a complaint. If you don’t want to complain yourself, you may ask someone to assist you.
How do I make a complaint?:
Use the Online complaint form or contact us. If the agency you are complaining about has responded to you in writing, it is helpful to provide us with a copy.
What information should I give?:
Focus on the main problems and facts. Provide enough details for the Ombudsman/Information Commissioner to understand and resolve the problem but no more. Be brief and concise. If you have relevant supporting documents, include copies with your letter of complaint. If you have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve your complaint with the authority, explain what happened and why you are not satisfied with the outcome. Explain what outcome you are seeking.
FOI request:
To get information under the FOI, typically you must make a “FOI request.”This is a written request in which you describe the information you want, and the format you want it in, in as much detail as possible.
You should be aware that the FOI does not require agencies to do research for you, analyze data, answer written questions, or create records in response to your request.
Proactive Disclosure Schemes:
Finally, you should know that the FOI requires that Government agencies release certain information automatically, without the need for you to make a request. This is found in press releases, publication schemes and automatic publications.
FOI Reading Room – Topics Centre:
So, before you send in that FOI request, it’s a good idea to look at each agency’s FOI page to first to see what’s already available or check out the Topics Centre
Who can make a FOI request?:
The general rule is that any person – citizen or not – can make a FOI request
The request simply must be in writing, reasonably describe the information you seek, and comply with specific agency requirements.
Most Government agencies can accept FOI requests electronically, including by web form, e-mail or fax.
If you want records on yourself, you will be required to provide proof of your identity using your National ID Card or passport/driver’s license in order to protect your privacy and to ensure that private information about you is not disclosed to someone else.
FOI requests can be made online using the www.foi.gov.to website.
Where do I send a FOI request?:
The FOI Unit – is one place to send all the FOI requests primarily.
Either through this website contact or via fax or email/post to the FOI Unit, Ministry of Information and Communications.
Each Government agency have been assigned a FOI contact through this website, which can handle individual requests directed to those agencies.
Your request will receive the quickest possible response if it is addressed directly to the agency/office you believe that has the records you are seeking.
See lists of Government Agencies FOI Contacts for individual contact information for each agency.