DECISION RECORD
Requests
1. The Department received a number of requests for access to documents relating to Operation
Fortitude under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (
FOI Act)
(‘
the requests’)
. The requests
were received
between 28 August and 1 September 2015.
Background information
2. Operation Fortitude was to have been a joint operation between the Australian Border Force (
ABF)
and a diverse team of transport and enforcement agencies to target crime in the Melbourne Central
Business District over the weekend of 29-30 August 2015. Following a press release issued by the
Department on 28 August 2015 which gave rise to some confusion regarding the ABF’s role, the
operation was called off by Victoria Police. Documents falling within the scope of the requests were
created in the days leading up to the press release of 28 August 2015, and the days after the
cancelation of the Operation.
Clarification regarding ABF involvement
3. After reviewing the available information, the authorised FOI decision maker, Mr Craig Farrell,
concluded:
‘It has become evident to me that from the early stages of planning, that the ABF’s involvement in the
Victoria Police-led Operation Fortitude was to be as follows:
•
ABF Compliance Field officers were to follow up on referrals from Victoria Police or the Victorian
Taxi Directorate. On receiving these referrals, ABF Compliance Field officers would undertake
visa status checks to determine compliance with visa conditions and could exercise their lawful
powers conferred by the Migration Act 1958.
•
The role of ABF Compliance Field officers during Operation Fortitude was to be the same as that
undertaken in previous operations, a role which was made clear to partner agencies from the
start of the planning process. There were no other roles planned for ABF Compliance Field
officers during Operation Fortitude.
•
It is evident that there was never any plan or intention for ABF Compliance Field officers to be
involved in the random checking of visas or identity.
The ABF (and before 1 July 2015, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection) had
participated in numerous operations in which Compliance Field officers performed the same role as
planned in Operation Fortitude. The only element considered ‘new’ in the ABF’s involvement in
Operation Fortitude was the number and combination of agencies participating, and the public projection
of that participation. There was to be no change to the role of the ABF or the functions that ABF officers
would perform.
I note a number of draft talking points prepared by the Department are captured by the requests. The
aim of the draft ABF talking points was to support the wider messaging on the operation, as provided by
Victoria Police. It appears to me this led to an assumption on the part of some that the ABF might be
participating in different roles or changing the way compliance with visa conditions was determined and
this was untrue.
6 Chan Street Belconnen ACT 2617
1
PO Box 25 BELCONNEN ACT 2616 • Telephone: 02 6264 1111 • Fax: 02 6225 6970 • www.border.gov.au
The ABF’s preparation of a separate media release/talking point package resulted in the talking points
being focused on the broader operational intent of Operation Fortitude, rather than detailing the
supporting role the ABF was to actually play.’
Documents
4. Mr Farrell considered the requests to be seeking access to the same documents, which are
identified at
Attachment 1. Mr Farrell was also satisfied that adequate searches had been
undertaken to locate the documents and that he had been provided with all documents relevant to
the requests.
Authority to make decision
5. Mr Farrell was authorised to make the decision under the arrangements approved by the Secretary
of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection under section 23 of the FOI Act.
Decision
6. Mr Farrell decided to refuse some material under subsection 22(1) of the FOI Act, on the grounds
the exempt material is considered to be exempt under the following sections of the FOI Act:
• Section 37 [documents affecting law enforcement and public safety]
• Section 47B(a) [damage to relations between the Commonwealth and a State]
• Section 47E [public interest conditional exemptions – certain operations of
agencies], and
• Section 47F [unreasonable disclosure of personal information].
7. Mr Farrell also found some material to be irrelevant to the requests under section 22 of the FOI Act
[access to edited copies with exempt or irrelevant matter deleted].
8. Where the schedule of the 80 documents (comprising 287 pages), at
Attachment 1, indicates an
exemption claim has been applied to part of document, a record of Mr Farrell’s findings of fact and
reasons for deciding that the exemption provision applied are set out below.
Material taken into account
9. Mr Farrell considered the following material in reaching his decision in relation to the requests:
• the terms of the requests
• the documents relevant to the requests
• the FOI Act
• consultation responses from third parties consulted in accordance with the FOI Act
• Guidelines published by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner under s 93A
of the FOI Act
• advice from other Commonwealth Departments, and
• advice from Departmental officers with responsibility for matters relating to the documents
to which access has been sought.
Findings and reasons for decision
10. In making the decision, Mr Farrell carefully considered the application of the exemptions and public
interest conditional exemptions. As required by the FOI Act, Mr Farrell also considered the objects
2
of the FOI Act, together with the public interest factors both in favour and against disclosure of the
documents in part or in full.
Section 22 of the FOI Act – irrelevant to request
11. Section 22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act allows an agency to delete irrelevant material from a document
which is only partially relevant to an applicant's FOI request.
12. Mr Farrell noted that when the Department wrote to each applicant to acknowledge receipt of the
relevant request, the applicants were advised that it is the Department’s policy to exclude the
personal details of officers not in the Senior Executive Service (SES), as well as the mobile and
work telephone numbers of SES staff, contained in documents that fall within scope of an FOI
request. Mr Farrell observed that the Department did not receive a reply from any of the applicants
in response to this correspondence.
13. As detailed in the schedule, at
Attachment 1, Mr Farrell found that certain documents contained
material consisting of personal details of officers not in the Senior Executive Service (SES), as well
as the mobile and work telephone numbers of SES staff. Mr Farrell has decided to delete that
material on the basis that it is irrelevant to the requests. Mr Farrell has also decided to delete the
names and contact details of certain officers from other agencies (including Victoria Police officers)
on the same basis.
14. Mr Farrell has also deleted information from a number of documents on the basis that it did not
relate directly to Operation Fortitude. Mr Farrell considered that this information was not relevant
to the requests.
15. Mr Farrell has decided that the irrelevant information should be deleted from the documents
pursuant to section 22(1)(a)(ii) of the FOI Act. The remainder of the documents were considered by
Mr Farrell for release on the basis that they were relevant to the requests.
Section 37(1)(b) of the FOI Act – disclosure of a confidential source
16. Section 37(1)(b) of the FOI Act provides that a document is an exempt document if its disclosure
under the FOI Act would, or could reasonably be expected to disclose, or enable a person to
ascertain, the existence, identity or non-existence of a confidential source of information, in relation
to the enforcement or administration of the law. The requirement that disclosure 'would, or could
reasonably be expected to' reveal information about a confidential source requires more than a
mere risk or possibility.
17. Mr Farrell considered that disclosure of the source named in document numbered 35 would reveal
the identity of a confidential source of information. He understood that the Commonwealth had
received information from the source named in document 35 in confidence and on the implied
understanding that the identity of that individual or entity in providing the information will not be
disclosed.
18. Mr Farrell was satisfied the source would hold a reasonable expectation that their identity would
not be made known to anyone other than the Department and/or those involved in administering
and enforcing the law. As a consequence, Mr Farrell noted that disclosure of the named source’s
identity in document 35 would result in a loss of trust and/or confidence of that source in the
protection of their information. Mr Farrell concluded it was also reasonable to expect the source
may be less willing to provide information to the Department in future. Mr Farrell also noted the
information this source provides assists the Department in respect of its enforcement role,
including in identifying and locating individuals residing in Australia illegally.
19. Taking into consideration the circumstances under which the documents were created and the
nature of the information, Mr Farrell has decided that the disclosure of the name of the source of
the information in document 35 would, or could reasonably be expected to, disclose the identity of
a confidential source of information. Mr Farrell was satisfied that disclosure of the other information
in this document would not reveal the identity of the source of information.
3
20. Accordingly, Mr Farrell decided to exempt in part document 35 under section 37(1)(b) of the FOI
Act.
Section 37(2)(b) of the FOI Act – disclosure of lawful methods or procedures
21. Section 37(2)(b) provides that a document is exempt if its disclosure would, or could reasonably be
expected to:
–
disclose lawful methods or procedures for detecting, investigating or dealing with
matters arising out of breaches or evasions of the law, and
–
prejudice the effectiveness of those methods or procedures.
22. Mr Farrell considered that parts of certain documents, outlined in the attached schedule, contained
information about the Department’s lawful investigative methods and procedures in connection with
its role in managing the security and integrity of Australia's borders. Mr Farrell noted the
Department leads the management of risks to Australia's border in close collaboration with other
government agencies, including State and Federal law enforcement agencies. As such, Mr Farrell
observed the Department's role includes law enforcement functions.
23. Mr Farrell concluded the disclosure of information within these documents would be reasonably
likely to impact on ongoing law enforcement methodology and also the Department’s relationships
both domestically and internationally. He noted these relationships support the Australian
Government’s law enforcement capabilities.
24. Mr Farrell considered the particular details regarding the approach, order of activity and anticipated
outcomes in relation to a high profile, complex and multi-agency investigation like Operation
Fortitude could be not be considered routine or well known to the public. While some of the
material described in the documents may be the subject of speculation, Mr Farrell observed that
disclosure of the documents would confirm authoritatively the methods, direction and manner in
which such an operation is carried out. Mr Farrell noted that this, in turn, would potentially provide
persons with an advantage in being able to modify their behaviour to better avoid detection in the
future, thereby reducing the ability of the Department and other law enforcement agencies to
protect the borders of Australia.
25. Accordingly, Mr Farrell decided that disclosure of the documents would, or could reasonably be
expected to disclose lawful methods or procedures for preventing or detecting breaches or
evasions of the law and that disclosure would, or would reasonably likely to, prejudice the
effectiveness of those methods or procedures. On this basis, Mr Farrell decided that certain
documents were exempt in part under section 37(2)(b) of the FOI Act, as outlined in the attached
schedule.
Section 47B(a) of the FOI Act – damage to relations between the Commonwealth and a State
26. Section 47B(a) of the FOI Act conditionally exempts a document from disclosure if disclosure
would, or could reasonably be expected to, cause damage to relations between the
Commonwealth and an Australian State (including a Territory).
27. Mr Farrell noted that the material over which a section 47B(a) claim has been maintained in the
attached schedule would reveal the identity of a senior officer associated with Operation Fortitude
from Victoria Police. Mr Farrell observed that some of these documents originated within Victoria
Police and some were Departmental documents. However, in all cases it appeared to Mr Farrell
that the documents which contain references to this officer’s name had not been publicly released.
Mr Farrell observed that the Department works closely with State and Territory law enforcement
bodies on a range of matters. He was satisfied that disclosure of an officer’s name against the
wishes of Victoria Police would or could reasonably adversely affect the continued level of trust
and cooperation in inter-office relationships between the Department and Victoria Police. Mr Farrell
concluded that this could also have ramifications for the ongoing negotiations necessary to
develop, coordinate and implement important multi-agency law enforcement operations in future.
4
28. Mr Farrell also considered that if the Department were to disclose the name of a State or Territory
officer against the wishes of that State or Territory agency, this could reasonably be expected to
cause damage to the Department’s relationship with State and Territory law enforcement bodies
more generally.
29. Mr Farrell found that certain documents listed in the schedule, at
Attachment 1, were conditionally
exempt under section 47B(a) of the FOI Act. However, Mr Farrell noted that he nonetheless would
be required to give access to the documents unless, in the circumstances, access at the time of his
decision would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest (subsection 11A(5) of the FOI Act).
The discussion below, under the heading ‘
The public interest – section 11A of the FOI Act,
’ records
Mr Farrell’s consideration of the public interest test.
Section 47E of the FOI Act – Operations of Agencies
30. Section 47E(d) of the FOI Act provides that documents are conditionally exempt if disclosure
would, or could reasonably be expected to, have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and
efficient conduct of the operations of an agency.
31. Mr Farrell considered that the disclosure of parts of certain documents (as outlined in the attached
schedule) would, or could reasonably be expected to, have a substantial adverse effect on the
proper and efficient conduct of the operations of the Department.
32. Mr Farrell noted that the information contained within some of the documents would disclose
contact details for operational areas within the Department that are not otherwise publicly
available. Mr Farrell considered that disclosure of this information could reasonably be expected to
result in potential vexatious communications and public inquires which these operational areas are
not resourced to manage. Given the operational focus of those business areas, Mr Farrell
concluded that such a diversion of their resources could reasonably be expected to have a
substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of the operations of the Department.
33. Mr Farrell identified that some of the documents revealed details of the Department’s proposed
future law enforcement activities which are not publicly known. Mr Farrell was satisfied the
disclosure of parts of certain documents over which a section 47E(d) claim is maintained would
also reveal sensitive operational information relating to the functions of the Department in its role
as a law enforcement agency. He concluded that if the deleted information in these documents
became known, individuals may be able to circumvent the activities carried out by the Department
in performing its functions. Mr Farrell concluded that the remaining documents revealed
information regarding the capacities or capabilities of the ABF, and specific logistical and
operational information regarding the arrangements for Operation Fortitude.
34. Mr Farrell observed that managing the security and integrity of Australia's borders is integral to the
operations of the Department. He concluded that any prejudice to the effectiveness of law
enforcement methods or the procedures used in undertaking that role would result in a substantial
adverse effect on the operations of the Department. This prejudice would result in a need for the
Department, and potentially other law enforcement agencies, to change the methods and
procedures used in order to avoid jeopardising their future effectiveness.
35. Accordingly, Mr Farrell decided that parts of the documents referred to above were conditionally
exempt under section 47E(d) of the FOI Act. Mr Farrell noted he was also required to turn his mind
to whether disclosure of the information would be contrary to the public interest. Mr Farrell’s
consideration of the public interest considerations required under section 11A(5) of the FOI Act is
outlined below, under the heading
‘The public interest – section 11A of the FOI Act’.
5
Section 47F of the FOI Act – Documents affecting personal privacy
36. Section 47F conditionally exempts a document to the extent that its disclosure would involve the
unreasonable disclosure of personal information about any person.
Personal information
Section 4 of the FOI Act provides that personal information has the same meaning as in the
Privacy Act 1988. Personal information is defined in section 6 of the Privacy Act as:
..information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably
identifiable:
(a) whether the information or opinion is true or not
(b) whether the information or opinion is recorded in a material form or not.
37. The elements of ‘personal information’ are:
a) it relates only to a natural person (not, for example, a company)
a) it says something about the individual
b) it may be in the form of an opinion, it may be true or untrue, and it may form part of a
database
c) the individual’s identity is known or is reasonably ascertainable using the information
in the document.
38. Mr Farrell identified that documents 58 and 60-61 contained the personal email address of a
named Departmental officer and he was satisfied that this information was personal information.
Disclosure unreasonable
39. If information is personal information, it will be conditionally exempt if disclosure would be
‘unreasonable’.
40. In considering whether disclosure would be unreasonable, section 47F(2) of the FOI Act required
Mr Farrell to take into account:
a) the extent to which the information is well known
b) whether the person to whom the information relates is known to be (or to have been)
associated with the matters dealt with in the document
c) the availability of the information from publicly accessible sources
d) any other matter he considered relevant.
41. Mr Farrell was satisfied from the nature of the information and his own enquiries that the
information in question was not well known or publicly available.
42. Mr Farrell also took into account the circumstances in which the information was obtained, and the
reasonable expectation of confidentiality that the individual the information is about had. Mr Farrell
noted that while the email was sent by the officer in connection with their employment with the
Department, the content of the email sent by the officer was proposed for release. Mr Farrell did
not think that disclosure of the personal email address (the email was sent the officer’s home
email) would shed any light on the workings of the Department or enhance accountability or
transparency. Further, Mr Farrell concluded that such disclosure would disproportionately interfere
with the privacy of the relevant officer. On that basis, Mr Farrell concluded that disclosure of the
information would be unreasonable.
43. Mr Farrell found that parts of documents 58 and 60-61 were conditionally exempt in part under
section 47F of the FOI Act. Nonetheless Mr Farrell acknowledged he must give access to the
documents unless, in the circumstances, access at the time of making his decision would on
balance be contrary to the public interest. Mr Farrell’s consideration of the public interest
considerations required under section 11A(5) of the FOI Act is outlined below.
6
The public interest – section 11A of the FOI Act
44. Mr Farrell decided that parts of the documents were conditionally exempt under sections 47B(a),
47E(d) and 47F. However, Mr Farrell acknowledged that conditionally exempt matter must be
released unless, in the circumstances, ‘access to the document at this time would, on balance, be
contrary to the public interest’ (section 11A(5) of the FOI Act).
45. In assessing whether disclosure of the conditionally exempt material is, on balance, contrary to the
public interest, Mr Farrell considered the Guidelines published by the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner, together with the following factors for and against giving access to the
conditionally exempt material:
Factors favouring access
46. Mr Farrell considered the factors listed in section 11B(3) of the FOI Act, being whether access to
the documents would do any of the following:
a) promote the objects of the FOI Act (including all the matters set out in sections 3
and 3A)
b) inform debate on a matter of public importance
c) promote effective oversight of public expenditure
d) allow a person to access his or her own personal information
.
47. Mr Farrell also considered whether facilitating access to the information to members of the public
would inform the community of the Government’s operations and allow the public to be satisfied
that proper processes had been followed by the Department in relation to Operation Fortitude. Mr
Farrell noted that the documents contained no suggestion that the Department or another agency
or official had engaged in misconduct or negligent, improper or unlawful conduct.
48. Mr Farrell acknowledged that there was a public interest in documents of the Department being
made available to the public for the purpose of encouraging public debate and to promote
oversight of the Department’s activities associated with Operation Fortitude. However, to the extent
the documents captured by the requests provide contextual information which would contribute to
public debate, Mr Farrell considered this was achieved with the disclosure of the balance of the
documents. Mr Farrell considered release of the conditionally exempt material would make no
further contribution to these objectives.
49. In particular, Mr Farrell did not consider that disclosure of the name of an officer within Victoria
Police would contribute in any meaningful way to the substantive public debate regarding
Operation Fortitude. Similarly, Mr Farrell concluded that disclosure of the personal email address
of a Departmental employee would shed no light on government operations or accountability.
Factors against disclosure
50. Mr Farrell also considered the factors that weigh against the release of the conditionally exempt
information in the documents:
a) Disclosure of the parts of the documents that are conditionally exempt under
section 47B(a) of the FOI Act, against the wishes of a State agency, could
reasonably be expected to prejudice the Department’s cooperative relationships
with its State and Territory law enforcement counterparts. Mr Farrell gave this factor
significant weight on the basis that the Department relies heavily on its good
working relationships with other law enforcement bodies to perform its law
enforcement functions and a break down in these cooperative relations could cause
undue prejudice the security of Australia’s borders.
b) Mr Farrell considered that the disclosure of parts of the documents that were
conditionally exempt under section 47E(d) of the FOI Act could reasonably be
expected to prejudice law enforcement functions and, as a result, the ability of the
7
Department to protect Australia's borders. Mr Farrell considered there to be a strong
public interest in maintaining the Department’s ability to conduct its law enforcement
functions and that they were not compromised or prejudiced in any way. Mr Farrell
considered that this factor weighs heavily against disclosure.
c) Mr Farrell also considered that the disclosure of the operational email addresses he
decided were conditionally exempt under s 47E(d) would have a substantial adverse
effect on the ability for those operational areas to conduct their business as usual.
Mr Farrell noted that the Department already has avenues in place for members of
the public to contact when they have queries, complaints and comments. Mr Farrell
concluded there is a strong public interest in ensuring public feedback is filtered
through these available channels so that operational areas within the Department
are able to carry out their functions in an effective manner. Mr Farrell considered
this that this factor weighs heavily against disclosure of this conditionally exempt
information.
d) Mr Farrell concluded that disclosure of the personal email address of the
Departmental employee in documents 58 and 60-61, which is conditionally exempt
under section 47F of the FOI Act would unreasonably interfere with that individual’s
privacy.
51. Mr Farrell noted he did not take into account any of the irrelevant factors listed in section 11B(4) of
the FOI Act in making his decision.
52. Upon balancing all of the above relevant public interest considerations, Mr Farrell concluded that
the disclosure of the conditionally exempt information in the documents was not in the public
interest and therefore exempt from disclosure under the FOI Act.
8
link to page 9
ATTACHMENT 1
SCHEDULE OF DOCUMENTS
Doc
Date of
No. of Description
Decision on release
#
document pages
1.
23/7/2015
2
Email from Victoria Police to Department
Release in full with irrelevant
14:16
Subject: Operation FORTITUDE
material deleted
2.
17/8/2015
1
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
13:35
Subject: Operation Fortitude 28th and 29th August
material deleted
3.
17/8/2015
3
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
13:58
Subject: Operation Fortitude – 28 & 29 August 2015
with attachment: Operation Fortitude 28 August 2015 0600
hours
4.
17/8/2015
2
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
14:12
Subject: RE: Operation Fortitude 28th and 29th August
47E(d)
5.
17/8/2015
2
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
15:35
Subject: RE: Operation Fortitude - 28 & 29 August
material deleted
6.
17/8/2015
2
Email from Victoria Police to various agencies
Release in full with irrelevant
16:00
Subject: Operation FORTITUDE - Invitation
material deleted
7.
17/8/2015
3
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
16:05
CONTAINS EMAIL FROM VICPOL DATED 17 AUGUST - material deleted
INVITATION
8.
18/8/2015
6
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
17:04
Subject: Operation Fortitude: Agency spokesperson
47E(d)
opportunity
Attachments:
• Operation Fortitude 28 August 2015.docx (duplicate of
Victoria Police Media Release 28 August 2015 0600
hours);
• Operation FORTITUDE - Invitation [not included,
duplicate of document #6 above]
9.
19/8/2015
1
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
08:11
Subject: OP FORTITUDE – VICTORIA – 28/29AUG2015
47E(d)
10.
19/8/2015
2
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47E(d)
09:33
Subject: FW: Operation Fortitude: Agency spokesperson
opportunity
Attachments:
• Operation Fortitude 28 August 2015 (duplicate of
Victoria Police Media Release dated 28/8/2015 0600
hours)
• Operation FORTITUDE - Invitation (duplicate of
document number
ed #6)
11.
19/8/2015
2
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
09:43
Subject: RE: Operation Fortitude – 28 & 29 August 2015
9
Doc
Date of
No. of Description
Decision on release
#
document pages
12.
19/8/2015
2
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
09:54
Subject: RE: OP FORTITUDE – VICTORIA 28/29AUG2015
47E(d)
13.
20/8/2015
7
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
16:26
Subject: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
47E(d)
Release and Talking Points
Attachments:
• 150828 TP Operation Fortitude
• 150828 MR Operation Fortitude
14.
21/8/2015
1
Email from Department to Victoria Police
Release in full with irrelevant
14:52
Subject: Operation FORTITUDE
material deleted
15.
24/8/2015
5
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
11:53
Subject: RE: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude
47E(d)
Media Release and Talking Points
Attachment:
• 150828 TP Operation Fortitude
16.
24/8/2015
8
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
16:18
Subject: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
47E(d)
Release and Talking Points
Attachments:
• 150828 TP Operation Fortitude
• 150828 MR Operation Fortitude
17.
24/8/2015
5
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
17:29
Subject: RE: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude
Media Release and Talking Points
18.
26/8/2015
10
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
14:00
Subject: FW: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude
47E(d)
Media Release and Talking Points
Attachments:
• 150828 TP Operation Fortitude
• 150828 MR Operation Fortitude
19.
26/8/2015
7
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
14:10
Subject: RE: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude
47E(d)
Media Release and Talking Points
Attachment: 150828 TP Operation Fortitude RC comments
20.
26/8/2015
1
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47E(d)
15:41
Subject: Operation FORTITUDE background
Email to and from Departmental officers and Minister’s
21.
26/8/2015
6
Release in part 47B(a)
Office
17:39
Subject: FOR INFO: Operation Fortitude Launch – Friday
47E(d)
28 Aug
Attachments:
• 150828 TP Operation Fortitude
• 150828 MR Operation Fortitude
10
Doc
Date of
No. of Description
Decision on release
#
document pages
22.
27/8/2015
4
Email from Victoria Police to various agencies
Release in part 47B(a)
08:57
Subject: Operation Fortitude launch tomorrow
Attachments:
• Operation Fortitude 28 August 2015 (duplicate of
Victoria Police Media Release 28 August 0600hours)
• Operation Fortitude Talking Points
23.
27/8/2015
6
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
11:10
Subject: Operation Fortitude – Media Release and Talking
47E(d)
Points
Attachments:
• 150828 TP Operation Fortitude
• 150828 MR Operation Fortitude
24.
27/8/2015
2
Email from Minister's Office to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
13:10
Subject: RE: FOR NOTING: Operation Fortitude Launch –
material deleted
Friday 28 Aug
25.
28/8/2015
1
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
07:31
Subject: Hot issues – Friday 28 August 2015
material deleted
26.
28/8/2015
1
Email to and from Departmental officers and the Minister’s Release in full with irrelevant
11:08
Office
material deleted
Subject: FOR NOTING: Various media enquiries on
Operation Fortitude
Attachments: out of scope of request
27.
28/8/2015
2
Email from Minister's Office to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
11:37
Subject: RE: FOR NOTING – Various media enquiries on
material deleted
Operation Fortitude
28.
28/8/2015
5
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
12:03
Subject: FW: FOR URGENT CLEARANCE: Additional
47E(d)
holding line for Operation Fortitude
Attachment: 150828 TP Operation Fortitude
29.
28/8/2015
6
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
12:21
Subject: FW: FOR URGENT CLEARANCE: Additional
47E(d)
holding line for Operation Fortitude
Attachment: 150828 TP Operation Fortitude
30.
28/8/2015
3
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
12:26
Subject: RE: FOR URGENT CLEARANCE: Additional
material deleted
holding line for Operation Fortitude
31.
28/8/2015
3
Email from the Department to the Minister's Office
Release in full with irrelevant
12:34
Subject: RE: FOR NOTING – Various media enquiries on
material deleted
Operation Fortitude
32.
28/8/2015
2
Email to and from Departmental officers and the Minister’s Release in full with irrelevant
12:36
office
material deleted
Subject: FW: FOR INFO: Operation Fortitude Launch -
Friday 28 Aug
Attachments: 150828 TP Operation Fortitude.docx; 150828
MR Operation Fortitude.docx (duplicates)
11
Doc
Date of
No. of Description
Decision on release
#
document pages
33.
28/8/2015
7
Email from the Minister’s Office to Departmental officers
Release in part 47B(a)
12:41
Subject: FW: FOR INFO: Operation Fortitude Launch –
Friday 28 Aug
Attachments: 150828 TP Operation Fortitude and 150828 –
MR Operation Fortitude
34.
28/8/2015
1
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
13:05
Subject: Extract from this morning's DOB
material deleted
35.
28/8/2015
3
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in part 37(1)(b)
13:08
Subject: URGENT Notification - Demonstration - Snap
47E(d)
Action against Australian Border Force - Flinders Street
Station, Melbourne, Vic - 28 August 2015 14:00
36.
28/8/2015
1
Email from Department to Minister's Office
Release in full with irrelevant
13:12
Subject: Afternoon update – 28 August 2015
material deleted
37.
28/8/2015
1
Email to and from Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
13:47
Subject: For info: Clarifying statement on Operation
material deleted
Fortitude
38.
28/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
17:04
Subject: FW Op Fortitude TPs
material deleted
39.
28/8/2015
4
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 47E(d)
17:29
Subject: FW: HOT ISSUES BRIEF - Media attention and
protest action around Operation Fortitude
40.
28/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
17:36
Subject: RE: For Clearance
material deleted
41.
28/8/2015
1
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
18:09
Subject: TPs - Op Fortitude
material deleted
42.
28/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
18:07
Subject: RE: TPs - Op Fortitude
material deleted
43.
28/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 47E(d)
18:23
Subject: Hot Issues Brief - Media attention and protest
action around Operation Fortitude
44.
28/8/2015
1
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
18:47
Subject: Initial follow-up - today's event
material deleted
45.
29/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
09:06
Subject: FW: Operation FORTITUDE background
material deleted
46.
29/8/2015
3
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
09:07
Subject: FW: Operation Fortitude 28th and 29th August
47E(d)
47.
29/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 47E(d)
09:54
Subject: FW: Operation FORTITUDE background
48.
29/8/2015
3
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
09:56
Subject: FW: Operation Fortitude 28th and 29th August
47E(d)
49.
29/8/2015
1
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 47E(d)
10:36
Subject: RE: Field Compliance ConOps
12
link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 10 link to page 10 link to page 10 link to page 10
Doc
Date of
No. of Description
Decision on release
#
document pages
50.
29/8/2015
3
Email from Deputy Commissioner Policy to Secretary;
Release in full with irrelevant
11:34
Commissioner
material deleted
Subject: FW: FOR INFO: Operation Fortitude Launch -
Friday 28 Aug
Attachments: 150828 TP Operation Fortitude.docx; 150828
MR Operation Fortitude.docx (duplicates of others already
included)
51.
29/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
12:26
Subject: FOR INPUT / CLEARANCE: Questions - Border
material deleted
Force
Attachment: Outside scope of request and not relevant
52.
29/8/2015
3
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
12:45
Subject: RE: FOR INPUT / CLEARANCE: Questions -
material deleted
Border Force
53.
29/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
12:53
Subject: RE: FOR INPUT / CLEARANCE: Questions -
material deleted
Border Force
54.
29/8/2015
3
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
12:53
Subject: RE: Field Compliance ConOps
material deleted
55.
29/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
13:13
Subject: Initial Invitation from VICPOL
material deleted
56.
29/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
13:55
Subject: FW: OP FORTITUDE – VICTORIA –
47E(d)
28/29AUG2015
57.
29/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
14:13
Subject: Operation Fortitude Timeline of Events
material deleted
Attachments:
• Operation Fortitude - 28 & 29 August (duplicate of
document
#3)
• RE: Operation Fortitude – 28 & 29 August (duplicate of
document
#5)
• Operation Fortitude: Agency spokesperson opportunity
(duplicate of document
#8)
• FW: Operation Fortitude: Agency spokesperson
opportunity [SEC=PROTECTED]; (duplicate of
document #10)
• RE: Operation Fortitude - 28 & 29 August (duplicate of
document #11)
• RE: OP FORTITUDE - VICTORIA - 28/29AUG2015
(duplicate of document
#12)
• FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
Release and Talking Points (duplicate of document
#13)
• RE: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
Release and Talking Points (duplicate of document
#15)
• FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
Release and Talking Points (duplicate of document
#16)
13
link to page 10 link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 11
Doc
Date of
No. of Description
Decision on release
#
document pages
• RE: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
Release and Talking Points (duplicate of document
#17)
• FW: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
Release and Talking Points (duplicate of document
#18)
• RE: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
Release and Talking Points (duplicate of document
#19)
• FOR INFO: Operation Fortitude Launch - Friday 28
Aug (duplicate of document #21)
• Operation Fortitude launch tomorrow(duplicate of
document #22)
• Operation Fortitude - Media Release and Talking
Points (duplicate of document
#23)
• RE: FOR NOTING: Operation Fortitude Launch -
Friday 28 Aug (duplicate of document
#24)
• Hot issues - Friday, 28 August 2015 (duplicate of
document
#25)
58.
29/8/2015
4
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 47F
15:21
Subject: FW: No Subject
Attachment: Operation Fortitude
59.
29/8/2015
3
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
16:18
Subject: RE: Chronology - Planning for Operation Fortitude
47E(d)
60.
29/8/2015
2
Email from Secretary to Commissioner
Release in part 47F
16:30
Subject: RE: No subject
61.
29/8/2015
2
Email from Secretary to Commissioner
Release in part 47F
16:31
Subject: RE: No subject
62.
29/8/2015
4
Email from Secretary to Commissioner
Release in full with irrelevant
17:05
Subject: RE: FOR INFO: Operation Fortitude Launch -
material deleted
Friday 28 Aug
63.
29/8/2015
5
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
18:36
Subject: RE: Chronology - Planning for Operation Fortitude
47E(d)
64.
30/08/2015
6
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
11:05
Subject: RE: Chronology - Planning for Operation Fortitude
47E(d)
Attachments:
• RE: FOR URGENT CLEARANCE: Additional holding
line for Operation Fortitude (duplicate of document
#30);
• FW: HOT ISSUES BRIEF - Media attention and protest
action around Operation Fortitude (duplicate of
document #39);
• RE: For clearance (duplicate of document #40).
14
Doc
Date of
No. of Description
Decision on release
#
document pages
65.
30/8/2015
4
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
14:02
Subject: Chronology - Planning for Operation Fortitude
material deleted
Attachments:
• RE: Operation Fortitude 28th and 29th August
(duplicate of document #4)
• FW: Operation Fortitude: Agency spokesperson
opportunity (duplicate of document #10)
• FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
Release and Talking Points (duplicate of document
#13)
• RE: FOR CLEARANCE: Operation Fortitude Media
Release and Talking Points (duplicate of document
#15)
• Operation Fortitude - Media Release and Talking
Points (duplicate of document #23)
• RE: FOR URGENT CLEARANCE: Additional holding
line for Operation Fortitude (duplicate of document
#30)
• FW: HOT ISSUES BRIEF – Media attention and
protest action around Operation Fortitude (duplicate of
document #39)
• RE: For clearance (duplicate of document #40)
66.
31/8/2015
8
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in part 37(2)(b)
08:39
Subject: RE: Chronology - Planning for Operation Fortitude
47E(d)
Attachment: Operation Fortitude Timeline of Events
(duplicate of document #57)
67.
31/8/2015
7
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
10:39
Subject: FW: Urgent talking points for the Minister's Office: material deleted
Compliance operations
Attachment: 150830 TP Compliance Operations
(duplicate)
68.
31/8/2015
7
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
11:01
Subject: Urgent talking points for the Minister's Office:
material deleted
Compliance operations
Attachment: 150830 TP Compliance Operations
(duplicate)
69.
31/8/2015
8
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
11:02
Subject: RE: Urgent talking points for the Minister's Office: material deleted
Compliance operations
70.
31/8/2015
8
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
11:17
Subject: RE: Urgent talking points for the Minister's Office: material deleted
Compliance operations
71.
31/8/2015
8
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
12:37
Subject: RE: Urgent talking points for the Minister's Office:
material deleted
Compliance operations
72.
31/8/2015
9
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
13:05
Subject: RE: Urgent talking points for the Minister's Office: material deleted
Compliance operations
15
Doc
Date of
No. of Description
Decision on release
#
document pages
73.
31/8/2015
10
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
13:09
Subject: FW: Urgent talking points for the Minister's Office: material deleted
Compliance operations
74.
31/8/2015
2
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
14:33
Subject: RE: Previous MR for Operations
material deleted
75.
31/8/2015
5
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
16:22
Subject: Op Fortitude
material deleted
Attachments: DIBP - Submission Template - Op Fortitude
76.
31/8/2015
2
All staff message from Commissioner
Release in full
16:40
Subject: Message from the Commissioner - Media
coverage regarding Operation Fortitude
77.
31/8/2015
4
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
17:36
Subject: Draft Min Sub
material deleted
Attachment: DIBP - Submission - Op Fortitude
78.
31/8/2015
4
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
18:06
Subject: RE: Draft Min Sub
material deleted
Attachment: 310815 DIBP – Submission – Op Fortitude
79.
31/8/2015
4
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
18:16
Subject: Can you clear please
material deleted
Attachment 310815 DIBP - Submission - Op Fortitude final
80.
31/8/2015
1
Email from and to Departmental officers
Release in full with irrelevant
18:19
Subject: RE: Can you clear please
material deleted
16
Document Outline