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The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) provides a general right of access to documents held by government agencies. The FOI Act requires decisions on access to be made promptly and at relatively low cost. It permits requests for documents to be refused for specific reasons related to the work of government or the interests of third parties, with all decisions subject to internal and external review. The Act provides a special right to complain to the Ombudsman about actions related to a request.

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