FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 1992 - SECT 70

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 1992 - SECT 70

70 .         Complaint, procedure for dealing with

        (1)         In order to deal with a complaint the Commissioner may obtain information from such persons and sources, and make such investigations and inquiries, as the Commissioner thinks fit.

        (2)         Proceedings are to be conducted with as little formality and technicality, and with as much expedition, as the requirements of this Act and a proper consideration of the matters before the Commissioner permit, and the Commissioner is not bound by rules of evidence.

        (3)         The Commissioner has to ensure that the parties to a complaint are given a reasonable opportunity to make submissions to the Commissioner.

        (4)         The Commissioner may determine the procedure for investigating and dealing with complaints and give any necessary directions as to the conduct of the proceedings.

        (5)         For example, the Commissioner may —

            (a)         deal with the complaint without holding formal proceedings or hearings;

            (b)         direct that all submissions are to be in writing;

            (c)         require parties to attend compulsory conferences.

        (6)         If a party is required or permitted to appear before the Commissioner the party may be represented by a legal practitioner or by any other person.