202500245 Decision Notice.pdf

Phillip Tweedie
University Secretary
Director, University Governance
Office
xxx@xxx.xxx.xx

02 February 2026
Adam H
Via Email: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx

SUBJECT FOI 202500245– Decision Notice
Dear Adam H,
On 2 October 2025, the Australian National University received your request seeking access to
documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the Act).
Scope of the Request
The University has taken your request to be as follows:
“… I seek access to any and all documents held by the Australian National University that
relate to:
•  Conflict of Interest declarations, disclosures, or forms submitted by Chief People Officer,
Kate Witenden to the University, formally or informally.
•  This request includes any documents that relate to actual, potential, or perceived conflicts
of interest.”
The purpose of this letter is to provide you with a decision on your request for access under the
Act.

The Australian National University
Canberra 2600, ACT Australia

TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12002 (Australian University)
CRICOS Provider Code: 00120C

1. Authority to Make Decision
I am an officer authorised under section 23(1) of the FOI Act to make decisions in relation to FOI
requests.
2. Relevant Material
In reaching my decision I referred to the following:
•  The terms of your request.
•  Documents relevant to the request.
•  Advice from University staff with responsibility for matters relating to the documents to
which you sought access.
•  The Act.
•  Guidelines published by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
under section 93A of the Act (the FOI Guidelines).
3. Decision
The University has identified one (1) document relevant to your request, which is outlined in the
attached Document Schedule.
I have decided Document 1 is partially released with redactions. I have determined that certain
information is irrelevant to the scope of your request and have provided an edited copy of the
document in accordance with Section 22 of the Act.
4. Detailed Reasons for Decision
Section 47F – Protection of Personal Privacy
I have applied a conditional exemption under Section 47F of the Act to the unique internal staff
identifier (User ID) contained within the Discloser's email string.
I consider that the disclosure of this specific alphanumeric identifier would be an unreasonable
disclosure of personal information. It is a non-public credential used primarily for internal system
The Australian National University
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authentication and administrative tracking. Unlike a professional title or name, this identifier is
linked to the individual's private digital identity within the University's secure systems.
The Public Interest Test (Section 11A)
Because Section 47F is a conditional exemption, I have applied the public interest test under
section 11A(5) of the Act to determine whether access to the redacted information would, on
balance, be contrary to the public interest.
Public Interest Factors in Favour of Disclosure
•  I recognise that releasing information about the conflict of interest declarations of senior
executives promotes the objects of the Act and informs the public of how the University
manages potential risks.
•  I have determined that the officials named (Kate Witenden and Jonathan Churchill) were
acting in their official capacities, making the fact of their participation in this process a
matter of public record.
Public Interest Factors in Favour of Disclosure
•  Disclosure of unique internal identifiers (User ID) could reasonably be expected to
prejudice the personal privacy of the individual.
•  The User ID is a technical system requirement. Its disclosure does not further the public's
understanding of the official’s declared interests or the University’s oversight mechanisms.
•  Releasing internal system credentials provides no public benefit but may pose a risk to the
integrity of internal administrative processes.
Conclusion
I have concluded that the public interest is best served by releasing the substance of the document
(confirming a "nil disclosure") while withholding the User ID. The factors against disclosure of the
User ID outweigh the factors in favour. Therefore, the information is exempt from disclosure.

The Australian National University
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CRICOS Provider #00120C

Contact officer
If you would like to discuss revising your request or have any questions, please contact our office
via email in the first instance via xxx@xxx.xxx.xx quoting FOI 202500245 as your reference number
in the subject line.
Your review rights are outlined on the following page.

Yours sincerely

Phillip Tweedie
University Secretary
Director, University Governance Office
Australian National University
Encl.
1.  Schedule of Documents – Ref. 202500245
2.  Document Package – Ref. 202500245

The Australian National University
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CRICOS Provider #00120C

Your review rights
If you are dissatisfied with my decision, you may apply for internal review or Information
Commissioner review of the decision. We encourage you to seek internal review as a first step as it
may provide a more rapid resolution of your concerns
Application for Internal Review of Decision
Section 54A of the Act, gives you the right to apply for an internal review of my decision.
It must be made in writing within 30 days of receipt of this letter, no particular form is required but
it is desirable to set out in the application the grounds on which you consider the decision should
be reviewed.
The application should be addressed to Freedom of Information at xxx@xxx.xxx.xx.
Application for Information Commissioner Review of decision
Under section 54L of the FOI Act, you may apply to the Australian Information Commissioner to
review my decision. An application must be made in writing within 60 days of the date of this
letter, and be lodged in one of the following ways:
Form: either online form or downloadable form available at
https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/your-freedom-of-information-
rights/freedom-of-information-reviews/information-commissioner-review
email:   xxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
Post:      Director of FOI Dispute Resolution, GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW 2001
More information is available on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner website.
https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/your-freedom-of-information-rights/freedom-
of-information-reviews

The Australian National University
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