On how many occasions, if any, during the 2025 calendar year did each agency for which the Minister has responsibility suggest to a requestor that a fee would be charged for providing information requested under the Official Information Act and for each instance what was the cost suggested, the reason for the charge, and the date of the request?

Answer

As Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, I have no responsibility for any government departments. With regard to agencies under the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio, I am advised that on one occasion, in August 2025, Callaghan Innovation proposed charging of $60,952 for the provision of official information, in accordance with the Office of the Ombudsman’s charging guidelines. The charge related to an estimated 803 hours of collation and research, due to the volume of records involved in the request. The proposed charge was declined.