There may be quite a backlog of Freedom of Information applications to be decided after the election on 24 November.........
The Age ("PM-Brethren letters held until after poll") reports on a 14 month attempt to obtain correspondence between the Prime Minister and the Exclusive Brethren since 2003.
An FOI request for correspondence in 2005 by Greens leader, Bob Brown, turned up nothing, even though three documents have now been identified - the PM's spokeswoman said that Senator Brown had "had not named the correct members of the Brethren who wrote the correspondence". Give us a break!
The most recent delay for this later application by The Age, that has extended the date for release of documents until 13 December, appears to be because of the need to allow third parties, presumably the Brethren and individuals named in the letters to seek review of the decision to release some documents. Third parties under the Act have a right to review if they object to disclosure of personal or business affairs information on the grounds that what is to be disclosed is exempt.
This blog takes an interest in issues associated with Freedom of Information (FOI) and privacy legislation in Australia. Information contained on this site is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Follow Peter Timmins on Twitter: @foiguru Follow the open government cause through the Australian Open Government Partnership Network. www.opengovernment.org.au and @opengovau
There may be quite a backlog of Freedom of Information applications to be decided after the election on 24 November.........
ReplyDeleteYes and it might be extremly surprising what would be found out .
Bob Browns been on to it ! there`s a lot thats been hidden yet going on .And lots that needs to be made public .
I agree their excuse is pityfull , give us a beak cause like Bob Brown we are not stupid and we`re on to it too .The excuse is as deceitful and as full of trickery as the EB`s game plan , no wonder they both play in the same team .
Oh yes i bet it will be delayed to allow the third party the chance to object to its disclosure .I`d say both partys might be banking on that last chance , of keeping it undercover . And the PM might be banking on the brethren bank balances and who knows he might even be the one visiting them now to offer them his prayers .Nothing more of course ! just a common shared hope for some devine intervention in the matter.
But hey if its all above board and nothing shonky going on ! , surely good honest people like the Exclusive Brethren wouldnt need to wait until later . Surely good honest christian people like them could let it go public now ! .