Prepare an RTI first appeal

Section 19(1) allows an appeal to the officer senior in rank to the PIO in the same public authority. Normally file within 30 days of receiving the decision or expiry of the applicable response period. The authority may admit a late appeal if satisfied there was sufficient cause.

Use the authority’s published First Appellate Authority details. The request’s PIO address is not automatically the FAA address. Central RTI Online supports first appeals referring to the original registration number; it does not collect a first-appeal fee.

List the original request date, registration/reference number, proof of receipt, transfer or additional-fee events and the response received. For non-response, assess the applicable period first rather than asserting that every request expires after 30 days.

State grounds item by item: an identified point not answered, a specific exemption not adequately explained, failure to consider severable information, or non-response after the applicable period. The builder provides a structure but cannot decide whether those grounds are legally valid.

Ask for the identified information, a reasoned item-wise decision, consideration of redaction under Section 10 where appropriate, or free information under Section 7(6) if its conditions are met. Do not assert guaranteed disclosure, automatic compensation or an automatic penalty.

Attach the request, receipt, reply and relevant notices. The FAA should dispose of the appeal in 30 days, or within 45 days for recorded written reasons under Section 19(6). Retain the decision and delivery evidence for the next step.