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This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Documents about request "Websites seized by the AFP from 2020 to 2024" on Right to Know'.


OFFICIAL 
ANNEXURE A 
 
STATEMENT OF REASONS RELATING TO AN FOI REQUEST BY 
BEN FAIRLESS 
 
I, Casey, Team Leader, Freedom of Information, am an officer authorised under section 23 of the 
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (Act) to make decisions in relation to the Australian Federal 
Police (AFP). What follows is my decision and reasons for the decision in relation to your request. 
 
A.  BACKGROUND 
 
1.  On 18 February 2025, the AFP received your request in the following terms: 
 
“I refer to the request https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/websites_seized_by_the_afp_from 
on Right to Know (your references are LEX 2983 / LEX 2983). 
 
I would like to see all documents created in response to the original FOI request and the Internal 
Review, including but not limited to all the files for each reference number, any communication 
between the AFP FOI Team and relevant line areas, and any communication between the AFP and 
other state, federal or international authorities.” 
 
2.  On 4 April 2025, you agreed to a 30-day extension of time pursuant to section 15AA of the Act. 
 
3.  On 23 April 2025, the statutory time period in which to provide a decision expired, and your 
request was therefore deemed refused by the agency. However, the AFP has continued to 
process your request and provides the below subsequent decision. 
 
B.  SEARCHES 
 
4.  Searches for documents were undertaken by the AFP FOI Team and included but were not limited 
to: 
 
(a)  a search of the AFP’s email system (Outlook), including archived mailboxes, for records 
relating to “2983” and “3103” (LEX 3103 is our reference for the internal review of LEX 2983); 
 
(b)  a search of electronic file directories for records relating to “2983”; 
 
(c)  a search of Microsoft Teams files for records relating to “2983”; and 
 
(d)  a search of all records held by the relevant line areas within the AFP, including: 
 
•  the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation; 
•  Counter Terrorism Strategy & Coordination; 
•  Intelligence & Covert Services; 
•  International Command; and  
•  Cyber Command. 
 
C.  WAIVER OF CHARGES 
 
5.  Given the request has exceeded all statutory timeframes as outlined in section 15 of the Act, the 
AFP is not able to impose any fees or charges as outlined at regulation 5(2) & (3) of the Freedom 
of Information (Charges) Regulations 1982.  
 
D.  EVIDENCE/MATERIAL ON WHICH MY FINDINGS WERE BASED 
 
6.  In reaching my decision, I have relied on the following: 
 
(a)  the scope of your request; 
 
 
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(b)  the contents of the documents identified as relevant to the request; 
(c)  advice from AFP officers with responsibility for matters contained in the documents; 
(d)  the Act; and 
(e)  the guidelines issued by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner under section 
93A of the Act. 
 
E.  DECISION 
 
7.  Paragraph [3.160] of the FOI Guidelines states:  
 
Where an access refusal decision is deemed to have been made before a substantive decision is 
made, the agency or minister continues to have an obligation to provide a statement of reasons on 
the FOI request. This obligation to provide a statement of reasons on the FOI request continues 
until any IC review of the deemed decision is finalised.  
 
8.  I have therefore prepared a statement of reasons for your request.  
 
9.  I have identified thirty-nine (39) documents relevant to your request.  
 
10.  I have decided to: 
 
(a)  release four (4) documents in full; and 
(b)  release thirty-five (35) documents in part with deletions pursuant to sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 
47E(d) of the Act. 
 
11.  A schedule of each of document and details of my decision in relation to each document is at 
Annexure B. 
 
12.  My statement of reasons is set out below.  
 
REASONS FOR DECISION 
 
Material to which section 22(1)(a)(ii) applies: 
 
13.  Section 22 of the Act allows the AFP to grant access to an edited copy of a document that has 
been modified by deletions to remove material that is either exempt or irrelevant to the request. 
 
14.  On 18 February 2025, you agreed to exclude the fol owing information from the scope of your 
request: 
 
•  names of AFP members, other than the Senior Executive; 
•  direct telephone numbers, middle names of AFP members, signatures and mobile 
telephone numbers of AFP members; and 
•  names and identifying information (including images) relating to members of the 
public including the applicant but not state, federal or international authorities. 
 
15.  Accordingly, I find parts of documents would be reasonably regarded as irrelevant to the request 
under section 22(1)(a)(i ) of the Act. 
Material to which section 47E(d) applies: 
16.  Section 47E(d) of the Act provides that: 
“A document is conditionally exempt if its disclosure under this Act would, or could reasonably be 
expected to, do any of the following: 
…  
 
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(d)  
have a substantial adverse effect on the proper and efficient conduct of the 
operations of an agency;…” 
17.  In relation to the phrase “would, or could reasonably be expected to”, paragraph 6.14 to 6.16 of 
the FOI Guidelines provides thee following guidance:  
 
6.14  
The test requires the decision maker to assess the likelihood of the predicted or 
forecast event, effect or damage occurring after disclosure of a document. 
 
6.15  
The use of the word ‘could’ is less stringent than ‘would’ and requires analysis of the 
reasonable expectation rather than the certainty of an event, effect or damage 
occurring. It may be a reasonable expectation that an effect has occurred, is presently 
occurring, or could occur in the future. 
 
6.16 
The mere risk, allegation, possibility, or chance of prejudice does not qualify as a 
reasonable expectation. There must be, based on reasonable grounds, at least a real, 
significant or material possibility of prejudice. 
 
18.  Paragraph 6.18 of the FOI Guidelines provides:  
 
 
The term ‘substantial adverse effect’ broadly means ‘an adverse effect which is sufficiently 
serious or significant to cause concern to a properly concerned reasonable person’. The word 
‘substantial’, in the context of substantial loss or damage, has been interpreted as including 
‘loss or damage that is, in the circumstances, real or of substance and not insubstantial or 
nominal’. 
 
19.  The parts of the documents identified as exempt under this section of the Act contain 
information, the release of which, would have a substantial adverse effect on the conduct of AFP 
operations, specifically its operational functions as a law enforcement agency. The information 
redacted under this section of the Act reveals internal AFP email addresses and contact details.  
 
20.  These contact details are not widely known and to disclose this information would impact on the 
AFP’s day-to-day operations by risking the diversion of AFP resources to responding to 
unsolicited correspondence received through those points of contact. I also consider that 
disclosure of this information would present a cyber security risk as it would disclose key parts of 
the AFP’s ICT framework, which could be used by adverse actors in targeting the AFP in cyber, 
phishing or spam activities.  
21.  Parts of documents also contain hyperlinks to agency software used for the processing and 
management of FOI requests. As these links are not publicly available and provide direct access 
to internal systems, disclosure of the material could result in members of the public, including 
potentially adverse actors, manipulating records essential to FOI related operations.  
22.  Whilst I have no reason to believe you would misuse this information in any way, I must consider 
the actions that any member of the public might take, noting that the AFP has no ability to control 
the dissemination of material once released. For these reasons, I consider that the release of this 
material could reasonably be expected to have a substantial adverse effect on the AFP’s 
operations, and that on this basis, the material is conditionally exempt under section 47E(d) of the 
Act. 
 
 
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23.  However, I must give access to this information unless, in the circumstances, access at this time 
would be contrary to the public interest. 
24.  I have considered the following factors favouring disclosure: 
(a)  the general public interest in access to documents as expressed in sections 3 and 11B of 
the Act; and 
(b)  the public interest in people being able to scrutinise the operations of a government 
agency and in promoting governmental accountability and transparency. 
 
25.  I have considered the following factors against disclosure: 
 
(c)  that if information concerning internal contact details were revealed, it may have a 
substantial adverse effect on the conduct of AFP operations in the future;  
(d)  if such information was disclosed, it would divert AFP resources from the proper conduct 
of their expected operations; and 
(e)  the need for the agency to maintain the efficiency of current procedures. 
 
26.  While it may be argued the release of this information would generally promote the objects of the 
Act, scrutinise the operations of a government agency and promote government accountability 
and transparency, I consider release would make only a minimal (if any) contribution to those 
public interest factors. 
 
27.  While there is a public interest in providing access to documents held by the AFP, I give greater 
weight to the adverse impact disclosure can be expected to have on agency operations in 
ensuring effective and efficient communication channels. Accordingly, I am satisfied that the 
information is conditionally exempt under section 47E(d) and to disclose this information would 
be contrary to the public interest. 
 
 
 
 
OFFICIAL 
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ANNEXURE B 
 
 
SCHEDULE OF DECISION – LEX 3698 
RELEASE OF DOCUMENTS – BEN FAIRLESS (RIGHT TO KNOW) 
 
Document 
Folio 
Author 
Description 
Decision 
Exemption 
Number 
Australian Federal 
1.   
1 - 8 
Police (AFP) & FOI 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and ‘CR’  
Release in Part 
Section 22(1)(a)(ii) 
applicant ‘CR’ 
 
2.   
9 - 10 
AFP 
LEX 2983 alert  
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
3.   
11 - 14 
AFP 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Covert & Technical Operations 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
4.   
15 - 18 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command  
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
5.   
19 - 22 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
6.   
23 - 28 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
7.   
29 - 32 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
 
 
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Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
 
8.   
33 - 38 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
9.   
39 - 44 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
10.   
45 - 50 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
11.   
51 - 57 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
12.   
58 - 62 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
13.   
63 - 67 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
14.   
68 - 72 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
15.   
73 - 78 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
16.   
79 - 83 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
17.   
84 
AFP 
Automated email sent to FOI Team 
Release in Part 
Section 22(1)(a)(ii) 
 
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Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
18.   
85 - 88 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and Cyber 
19.   
89 - 92 
AFP 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
20.   
93 - 96 
AFP 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Intelligence & Covert Services 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and the 
21.   
97 - 100 
AFP 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
 
22.   
101 - 105 
AFP 
Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and 
23.   
106 - 109 
AFP 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
International Command 
Email correspondence between FOI Team and Cyber 
24.   
110 - 113 
AFP 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Command 
25.   
114 - 115 
AFP 
FOI Team internal correspondence 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Email correspondence between INTERPOL and IC-
26.   
116 - 117 
AFP 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
Partnerships & Monitoring  
27.   
118 - 122 
AFP 
LEX 2983 Freedom of Information Checklist 
Release in Full 
n/a 
 
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28.   
123 - 124 
AFP 
LEX 2983 Internal Reasons for Decision  
Release in Part 
Section 22(1)(a)(ii) 
LEX 2983 Freedom of Information Searches/Chaser 
29.   
125 - 126 
AFP 
Release in Full 
n/a 
Schedule 
30.   
127 
AFP 
LEX 2983 Notice of Decision cover email 
Release in Part 
Section 22(1)(a)(ii) 
31.   
128 - 130 
AFP 
LEX 2983 Decision Letter dated 27 August 2024  
Release in Part 
Section 22(1)(a)(ii) 
32.   
131 - 133 
AFP 
LEX 2983 Decision Letter (Draft) 
Release in Part 
Section 22(1)(a)(ii) 
Email correspondence from ‘CR’ requesting internal 
33.   
134 
FOI Applicant ‘CR’ 
Release in Full 
n/a 
review of LEX 2983  
34.   
135 
AFP 
Acknowledgement of internal review request 
Release in Part 
Section 22(1)(a)(ii) 
35.   
136 - 137 
AFP 
Acknowledgement of internal review request (Draft) 
Release in Part 
Section 22(1)(a)(ii) 
36.   
138 - 141 
AFP 
FOI Team internal correspondence 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
37.   
142 - 143 
AFP 
LEX 3103 alert 
Release in Part 
Sections 22(1)(a)(ii) and 47E(d) 
 
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38.   
144 - 148 
AFP 
LEX 3103 Freedom of Information Checklist 
Release in Full 
n/a 
LEX 3103 (Internal Review) Decision Letter dated 1 
39.   
149 - 151 
AFP 
Release in Part 
Section 22(1)(a)(ii) 
October 2024 
 
 
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ANNEXURE C 
 
***YOU SHOULD READ THIS GENERAL ADVICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LEGISLATIVE 
REQUIREMENTS IN THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 1982 (Cth)*** 
 
If you are dissatisfied with a Freedom of Information decision made by the AFP, you can apply for a 
review of the decision by the Information Commissioner (IC). As this decision has been made outside the 
statutory time period, the option of internal review by the AFP is not available as per Section 54E of the 
FOI Act. 
 
For complaints about the AFP’s actions in processing your request, you do not need to seek review by the 
IC in making your complaint. 
 
REVIEW RIGHTS under Part VII of the Act 
 
Review by the Information Commissioner 
 
Section 54L of the FOI Act gives you the right to apply directly to the IC for review of this decision. In 
making your application you wil  need to provide an address for notices to be sent (this can be an email 
address) and a copy of the AFP decision. 
 
Section 54S of the FOI Act provides the timeframes for an IC review submission. For an access refusal 
decision covered by section 54L(2), the application must be made within 60 days. For an access grant 
decision covered by section 54M(2), the application must be made within 30 days. 
 
Applications for IC review may be lodged by email (xxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx), using the OAIC’s online 
application form (available at www.oaic.gov.au) or addressed to: 
 
   Office of the Australian Information Commissioner 
   GPO Box 5128 
   Sydney NSW 2001 
 
The IC encourages parties to an IC review to resolve their dispute informal y, and to consider possible 
compromises or alternative solutions to the dispute in this matter. The AFP would be pleased to assist 
you in this regard. 
 
Complaint 
 
If you are unhappy with the way we have handled your FOI request, please let us know what we could 
have done better. We may be able to rectify the problem. If you are not satisfied with our response, you 
can make a complaint to the IC. A complaint may be lodged using the same methods identified above. It 
would assist if you set out the action you consider should be investigation and your reasons or grounds. 
 
More information about IC reviews and complaints is available on the OAIC’s website at 
https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/reviews-and-complaints/. 
 
 
 
 
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