s22 - Access to edited copies with exempt or irrelevant matter deleted
Dear
s22 - Access to edited
ANU is experiencing an unprecedented number of FOI applications and requests for consultation from other
agencies (ACT and Commonwealth). This impacts heavily on the small FOI team in University Records, the
University Legal Office and has resourcing ramifications for many areas across campus due to the overlap of
current areas of interest to many applicants.
You may be aware via news coverage of public debates on issues related to ANU such as student protests,
social responsible investment policies, childcare centres, and recently identified discrepancies in staff
payments. ANU has proactively published information concerning these issues on its website, however, the
topics continue to attract FOI requests.
In calendar year 2023 the ANU handled 108 FOI requests and related cases. This year we have already
registered over 100 cases by July.
We are grateful for the advice the OAIC has published about managing increases in requests. We are actively
creating a plan to address the increased requests in line with this guidance and note that point 9 indicates the
importance of keeping your office informed of progress https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-
information/freedom-of-information-guidance-for-government-agencies/freedom-of-information-agency-
resources/part-16-managing-increased-volume-of-foi-requests. Our action plan includes updating our web
pages to provide information to applicants and reviewing our procedures. To ensure University staff support
the FOI process effectively, we currently offer around six general FOI online information sessions per year to
any ANU staff member. Under development is an online self-paced general staff training module which we
hope to launch before the end of the year.
Currently two full time staff spend 100% of their time on FOI case management (noting that one of these roles
is normally responsible for other information management functions in conjunction with these FOI
responsibilities). Each case is assigned to a lawyer in the University Legal Office. Two senior staff are
delegated decision makers and assist part time with search, scope clarification, and stakeholder engagement.
An SES equivalent delegated officer undertakes internal reviews and provides strategic oversight.
Budget permitting, the University is interested in exploring use of contract FOI support resources that might be
available in Canberra to assist in a temporary capacity. Although we are aware of at least one company in a
State jurisdiction, we have been unable to find similar processing support in Canberra. If the OAIC is aware of
such services, we would be grateful for your advice. Similarly, if there are additional strategies you can
suggest, we would gladly hear from you.
Finally, we appreciate your understanding and support of our staff during this demanding period.
Regards
Kathryn
Kathryn Dan
University Archivist (Associate Director Records and Archives)
Scholarly Information Services Division
The Australian National University
R.G. Menzies Building
Canberra ACT 2600
2
+61 2 6125 9602
www.archives.anu.edu.au
TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C | ABN: 52 234 063 906
The Australian National University acknowledges, celebrates and pays our respects to the Ngunnawal and Ngambri
people of the Canberra region and to all First Nations Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work,
and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.
Notice:
The information contained in this email message and any attached files may be confidential
information, and may also be the subject of legal professional privilege. If you are not the intended
recipient any use, disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this email in
error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's switchboard on 1300 488 064 during
business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra time) and delete all copies of this transmission together with
any attachments.
3
