The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) means you can ask for access to our documents. Find out how you can make an FOI application.
You can ask for access to our documents if they’re not exempt from public release under the FOI Act.
If the information we release to you includes your personal information you may be able to change misleading or out-of-date information.
Making an FOI application
You must make an FOI request in writing. First you should check we haven’t already published the information on our:
There are 2 ways you can make an FOI request.
Use an FOI form
You can download and complete either:
- Freedom of Information Request for Documentation Form (Word, 262KB)
- Freedom of Information Request for Documentation Form (PDF, 268KB).
You can post or email your form. Our postal address is:
Freedom of information officer
AUSTRAC
PO Box K534
Haymarket NSW 1240
Email the details
You can email us your request. You need to include:
- that the request is an application under the FOI Act
- enough information about the documents so we can identify them
- your contact information so we can reply.
We prefer you include a copy of your photo ID (such as driver’s licence or passport) with your application. This helps us to:
- verify your identity
- ensure the release of information is reasonable in the circumstances.
Email your request to FOI@austrac.gov.au
What happens next
Once we’ve received your valid application, we have 30 days to process it.
If the information you want is about another person you need to give their:
- photo ID
- consent to release information to you.
If the above isn’t possible you need to give details why the release of the other person’s information to you without their consent is reasonable.
If we need to consult with the other person, the processing time is extended by 30 days. We’ll tell you if this happens.
Internal review of a decision
If you’ve asked for an internal review of an FOI decision, a review will be done by someone who wasn’t the original decision maker.
Cost
There are no costs for making an FOI request. But there may be processing charges for FOI requests for non-personal information. We’ll give you an estimate of the costs before we proceed.
Other requests for information
Our freedom of information officer can help you if you have questions about subpoenas and other notices to produce.
Secrecy and access
We disclose our information (other than under the FOI Act) according to the provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financial Act 2006. Part 11 of the Act details the secrecy and access provisions that apply to AUSTRAC information.
This guidance sets out how we interpret certain Australian legislation, along with associated Rules and regulations. Australian courts are ultimately responsible for interpreting these laws and determining if any provisions of these laws are contravened.
The examples and scenarios in this guidance are meant to help explain our interpretation of these laws. They’re not exhaustive or meant to cover every possible scenario.
This guidance provides general information and isn't a substitute for legal advice. This guidance avoids legal language wherever possible and it might include generalisations about the application of the law. Some provisions of the law referred to have exceptions or important qualifications. In most cases your particular circumstances must be taken into account when determining how the law applies to you.