LEX 69186 Decision Document final.pdf

LEX 69186 page 1 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
MEDIA
Cc:
s47F(1)
Subject:
LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Date:
Thursday, 2 March 2017 4:53:41 PM
s22
Dear Media
We have received a new request (attached) from Justin Warren via Right to Know, who
is seeking access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) to the
following documents:
‘I request a copy of all Public Interest Certificates (PICs) granted by the
Secretary (or their delegate) under section 208 of the Social Security
(Administration) Act 1999 (the SSA Act) in the period from 1 June 2016 to 1
March 2017, inclusive.
… Rather than all certificates granted under section 208 of the SSA Act, by
Public Interest Certificate I refer to those certificates granted under section 208
subsection 1 (a) of the SSA Act’.
Our team is actioning this FOI request.
The relevant line area contact for this request is Michael Robinson, National Manager,
Ombudsman & Information Release.
A decision is due on 31 March 2017.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
s47F(1)
A/g Senior Government Lawyer
FOI Legal Team
FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
| * xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege or
information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this
email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have received this
communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 5 of 171
From:
s47F(1)
To:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Cc:
s47F(1)
; Robinson, Michael
Subject:
RE: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Date:
Tuesday, 7 March 2017 1:25:38 PM
s22
s47
F(1)

As discussed earlier today. I have completed the Estimate Minute and it has been signed by
Michael.

As far as process, I believe that is all you require from this branch at this point?

Regards

s47F(1)
Director
Ombudsman and Information Release Branch
Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)

This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege
or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of
this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have
received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently
delete this email.’

From: s47F(1)

Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 10:50 AM
To: Robinson, Michael <xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: s47F(1)
Subject: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-Official-
Use-Only]

Dear Michael

I understand s47F(1)
, of the FOI Legal Team, advised s47F(1)
that
the FOI team has received a request (attached) from Justin Warren via Right to Know

LEX 69186 page 6 of 171
for the following documents:

‘I request a copy of all Public Interest Certificates (PICs) granted by the
Secretary (or their delegate) under section 208 of the Social Security
(Administration) Act 1999 (the SSA Act) in the period from 1 June 2016 to 1
March 2017, inclusive.

… Rather than all certificates granted under section 208 of the SSA Act, by
Public Interest Certificate I refer to those certificates granted under section 208
subsection 1 (a) of the SSA Act’.

To enable the FOI team to start processing this request we have attached a document
retrieval minute that we ask that your branch complete. We have also attached a
Document Estimate Minute.

Could you please organise for this minute to be completed and returned to
xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx by COB 9 March 2017.
s47C, 47E(d)
s47E(d)

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me, or the Deputy General
Counsel, s47F(1)
on s47F(1)
.

Regards
s47F(1)

FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)

This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional
privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the
intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this
communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify the
sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 7 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
s47F(1)
Cc:
Subject:
RE: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Date:
Tuesday, 7 March 2017 6:13:37 PM
s22
Yes, nothing further at this stage thanks s47F(1) We are sending him a letter asking to
revise the scope because at this stage it is too large to process. If he revises his scope
we will be in touch.
Kind Regards
s47F(1)
Deputy General Counsel
FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege or information
that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited
from using or disseminating this communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify
the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: s47F(1)

Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 1:56 PM
To: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Cc: s47F(1)
; Robinson, Michael
Subject: RE: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-
Official-Use-Only]
s47
F(1)
As discussed earlier today. I have completed the Estimate Minute and it has been signed by
Michael.
As far as process, I believe that is all you require from this branch at this point?
Regards
s47F(1)
Director
Ombudsman and Information Release Branch
Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege
or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of
this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have
received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently

LEX 69186 page 8 of 171
delete this email.’
From: s47F(1)

Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 10:50 AM
To: Robinson, Michael <xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: s47F(1)
Subject: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-Official-
Use-Only]
Dear Michael
I understand s47F(1)
, of the FOI Legal Team, advised s47F(1)
that
the FOI team has received a request (attached) from Justin Warren via Right to Know
for the following documents:
‘I request a copy of all Public Interest Certificates (PICs) granted by the
Secretary (or their delegate) under section 208 of the Social Security
(Administration) Act 1999 (the SSA Act) in the period from 1 June 2016 to 1
March 2017, inclusive.
… Rather than all certificates granted under section 208 of the SSA Act, by
Public Interest Certificate I refer to those certificates granted under section 208
subsection 1 (a) of the SSA Act’.
To enable the FOI team to start processing this request we have attached a document
retrieval minute that we ask that your branch complete. We have also attached a
Document Estimate Minute.
Could you please organise for this minute to be completed and returned to
xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx by COB 9 March 2017.
s47C, s47E(d)
s47E(d)
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me, or the Deputy General
Counsel, s47F(1)
on s47F(1)
.
Regards
s47F(1)

FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)

This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional
privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the
intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this
communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify the
sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 10 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
s47F(1)
Cc:
s47F(1)
Subject:
RE: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Date:
Tuesday, 21 March 2017 5:57:24 PM
s22
Hi s47F(1)
As discussed, we have been liaising with s47F(1 regarding FOI request LEX 27960. I
have attached the signed Estimate Minute previously provided by
)
s47F(1) in relation to this
matter.
The estimate details that there were 14737 PICs issued under section 208 for the period
1 June 2016 to 1 March 2017 inclusive.
The applicant has formally consulted with us under the FOI Act and has requested a
‘breakdown’ of categories for the certificates to assist him in formulating a revision of
scope. Based on our discussions earlier, I understand that you can run a report that
categorises PICs according to ‘reasons’ for release i.e. threat to health, life, or welfare
etc.
Please run the report and respond via return email. Because we are subject to strict
statutory timeframes, we would appreciate your prompt response.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
s47F(1)
A/g Senior Government Lawyer
FOI Legal Team
FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
| * xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege or
information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this
email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have received this
communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: s47F(1)

Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 6:57 PM
To: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Subject: Re: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-
Official-Use-Only]
Thanks s47F(
1)
We process between 1,200 to 1,400 a month. There is no way of bulk extraction. He
need to quantum what exactly he is looking for my name which we can search for. There has
only been 2 PIC to our Minister for debt matters every other release has been done under
section 202, for the purpose of the administration of the Act.
s47F(1)
Director
Ombudsman and Information Release Branch
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
On 7 Mar 2017, at 6:43 pm, FOI.LEGAL.TEAM <xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> wrote:

LEX 69186 page 11 of 171
Yes, nothing further at this stage thanks s47F(1 We are sending him a letter asking
)
to revise the scope because at this stage it is too large to process. If he revises his
scope we will be in touch.
Kind Regards
s47F(1)
Deputy General Counsel
FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal
professional privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If
you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or
disseminating this communication. If you have received this communication in
error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: s47F(1)

Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 1:56 PM
To: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM <xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: s47F(1)
Robinson, Michael
<xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: RE: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request
[DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
s47F
(1)
As discussed earlier today. I have completed the Estimate Minute and it has been
signed by Michael.
As far as process, I believe that is all you require from this branch at this point?
Regards
s47F(1)
Director
Ombudsman and Information Release Branch
Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal
professional privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If
you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or
disseminating this communication. If you have received this communication in
error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.’
From: s47F(1)

Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 10:50 AM

LEX 69186 page 12 of 171
To: Robinson, Michael <xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: s47F(1)
Subject: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request
[DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Dear Michael
I understand s47F(1)
, of the FOI Legal Team, advised s47F(1)
that
the FOI team has received a request (attached) from Justin Warren via Right to
Know for the following documents:
‘I request a copy of all Public Interest Certificates (PICs) granted by the
Secretary (or their delegate) under section 208 of the Social Security
(Administration) Act 1999 (the SSA Act) in the period from 1 June 2016 to 1
March 2017, inclusive.
… Rather than all certificates granted under section 208 of the SSA Act, by
Public Interest Certificate I refer to those certificates granted under section
208 subsection 1 (a) of the SSA Act’.
To enable the FOI team to start processing this request we have attached a
document retrieval minute that we ask that your branch complete. We have also
attached a Document Estimate Minute.
Could you please organise for this minute to be completed and returned to
xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx by COB 9 March 2017.
s47C, s47E(d)
s47E(d)

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me, or the Deputy
General Counsel, s47F(1)
on s47F(1)
.
Regards
s47F(1)

FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)

This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal
professional privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If
you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or
disseminating this communication. If you have received this communication in
error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 13 of 171
From:
s47F(1)
To:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Cc:
s47F(1)
; Robinson, Michael; s47F(1)
Subject:
RE: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=Sensitive:Legal]
Date:
Thursday, 23 March 2017 4:05:11 PM
s22
Hi s47F(1)
It has come to our attention when reviewing this matter, that the estimated figure originally
provided (14737) was an over estimation, this figure appears to relate to all public interest
releases (Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support) for the period.
Our records indicate that a total of 8194 Public Interest releases were performed under section
208(1)(a) of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, between the dates of 1 June 2016 to 1
March 2017 (inclusive).
Please find below, the breakdown of the Social Security Public Interest releases by the guideline
under which the releases were authorised.
s47E(d)
Guideline
Threat to life, health or welfare
Enforcement of laws
Missing Person
Deceased person
Reparations
Child Protection agencies
Research and statistical analysis
TOTAL
s47C, s47E(d)
We trust the above information is sufficient for you to progress/finalise this request.
Happy to discuss/assist further if required.
Kind regards
s47F(1)
A/g Assistant Director, Information Release Section
Ombudsman and Information Release Branch
Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege or
information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email,
you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have received this
communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Sent: Tuesday, 21 March 2017 6:27 PM
To: s47F(1)

Cc: s47F(1)

Subject: RE: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-
Official-Use-Only]
Hi s47F(1)
As discussed, we have been liaising with s47F(1) regarding FOI request LEX 27960. I have

LEX 69186 page 14 of 171
attached the signed Estimate Minute previously provided by s47F(1) in relation to this
matter.
The estimate details that there were 14737 PICs issued under section 208 for the period
1 June 2016 to 1 March 2017 inclusive.
The applicant has formally consulted with us under the FOI Act and has requested a
‘breakdown’ of categories for the certificates to assist him in formulating a revision of
scope. Based on our discussions earlier, I understand that you can run a report that
categorises PICs according to ‘reasons’ for release i.e. threat to health, life, or welfare
etc.
Please run the report and respond via return email. Because we are subject to strict
statutory timeframes, we would appreciate your prompt response.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
s47F(1)
A/g Senior Government Lawyer
FOI Legal Team
FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
| * xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege or
information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email,
you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have received this
communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: s47F(1)

Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 6:57 PM
To: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM <xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Re: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-
Official-Use-Only]
Thanks s47F(
1)
We process between 1,200 to 1,400 a month. There is no way of bulk extraction. He
need to quantum what exactly he is looking for my name which we can search for. There has only
been 2 PIC to our Minister for debt matters every other release has been done under section
202, for the purpose of the administration of the Act.
s47F(1)
Director
Ombudsman and Information Release Branch
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
On 7 Mar 2017, at 6:43 pm, FOI.LEGAL.TEAM <xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx> wrote:
Yes, nothing further at this stage thanks s47F(1) We are sending him a letter asking to
revise the scope because at this stage it is too large to process. If he revises his
scope we will be in touch.
Kind Regards
s47F(1)
Deputy General Counsel
FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services

LEX 69186 page 15 of 171
s47F(1)
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal
professional privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If
you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or
disseminating this communication. If you have received this communication in error
please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: s47F(1)

Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 1:56 PM
To: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM <xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: s47F(1)
Robinson, Michael
<xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: RE: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request
[DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
s47F
(1)
As discussed earlier today. I have completed the Estimate Minute and it has been
signed by Michael.
As far as process, I believe that is all you require from this branch at this point?
Regards
s47F(1)
Director
Ombudsman and Information Release Branch
Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal
professional privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If
you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or
disseminating this communication. If you have received this communication in error
please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.’
From: s47F(1)

Sent: Tuesday, 7 March 2017 10:50 AM
To: Robinson, Michael <xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: s47F(1)
Subject: LEX 27960 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request
[DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Dear Michael
I understand s47F(1)
, of the FOI Legal Team, advised s47F(1)
that

LEX 69186 page 16 of 171
the FOI team has received a request (attached) from Justin Warren via Right to
Know for the following documents:
‘I request a copy of all Public Interest Certificates (PICs) granted by the
Secretary (or their delegate) under section 208 of the Social Security
(Administration) Act 1999 (the SSA Act) in the period from 1 June 2016 to 1
March 2017, inclusive.
… Rather than all certificates granted under section 208 of the SSA Act, by
Public Interest Certificate I refer to those certificates granted under section
208 subsection 1 (a) of the SSA Act’.
To enable the FOI team to start processing this request we have attached a
document retrieval minute that we ask that your branch complete. We have also
attached a Document Estimate Minute.
Could you please organise for this minute to be completed and returned to
xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx by COB 9 March 2017.
s47C, s47E(d)
s47E(d)

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me, or the Deputy General
Counsel, s47F(1)
on s47F(1)
.
Regards
s47F(1)

FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)

This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal
professional privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If
you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or
disseminating this communication. If you have received this communication in error
please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 17 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
MEDIA
Subject:
LEX 28805 - Warren, Justin (Right to Know) - New Significant Request [DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Date:
Friday, 31 March 2017 6:08:28 PM
s22
Dear Media
We have received a new request (attached) from Mr Justin Warren, via Right to Know,
who is seeking access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) to the
following documents:
‘I am happy to adjust my request to just those documents that authorised the
release of information under section 208(1)(a) of the Social Security
(Administration) Act 1999
(http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ssa1999338/s208.html)
between the dates of 1 June 2016 to 1 March 2017 (inclusive) that are classed
under Social Security (Public Interest Certificate Guidelines) (DSS)
Determination 2015 section 10 (Mistake of fact)
(https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2015L01267/Html/Text#_Toc419446044).’
Our team is actioning this FOI request.
The request is connected to FOI request LEX 27960. The department was formally
consulting with Mr Warren regarding that request. However, a formal revision was not
received within the statutory timeframe and that matter was considered withdrawn. Be
advised, that matter is now closed.
The relevant line area contact for this request is Michael Robinson, National Manager,
Ombudsman & Information Release.
A decision is due on 24 April 2017.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
s47F(1)
A/g Senior Government Lawyer
FOI Legal Team
FOI and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
| * xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege or
information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this
email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have received this
communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 18 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
MEDIA
Subject:
FOI - New Significant FOI Request - WARREN, Justin (Right To Know) - LEX34896 [DLM=For-Official-Use-
Only]
Date:
Tuesday, 13 February 2018 6:02:52 PM
s22
Dear Media

Please be advised that a new significant FOI request has been received from Justin
Warren via Right To Know for access to the following:

‘I request a copy of any documents that define how a decision is, or was, made
to replace a document on the department's operational information website
(those hosted on http://operational.humanservices.gov.au/) with a statement of
the form:
"The guideline you have requested is potentially FOI exempt.
You have a right to apply for the document through FOI legislation.
You can request a copy from the department's Information Publication Scheme
by:
…" etc.’

A decision is due in relation to this request on 14 March 2018.

Kind Regards,
s47F(1)
Legal Graduate
Freedom of Information and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
Email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional
privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the
intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this
communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify the
sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 20 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
MEDIA;s47E(d)
Cc:
Subject:
FW: FOI - New Significant FOI Request - WARREN, Justin (Right To Know) - LEX34896 [DLM=For-Official-
Use-Only]
Date:
Thursday, 22 February 2018 4:38:39 PM
s22
Importance:
High
Dear Media
I refer to the email thread below regarding an FOI request from Justin Warren.
Mr Warren replied to the 24AB Consultation notice via email requesting assistance to
revise the scope of his request.
This evening the FOI Team will respond to that email correspondence – I note this may
cause some social media activity.
It remains that Mr Warren has until 2 March to revise the scope of his request, which he
has not yet done.
Kind Regards
s47F(1)
Legal Graduate
Freedom of Information and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
Email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional
privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the
intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this
communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify the
sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Sent: Friday, 16 February 2018 11:35 AM
To: MEDIA ; s47E(d)

Cc: s47F(1)

Subject: FW: FOI - New Significant FOI Request - WARREN, Justin (Right To Know) - LEX34896
[DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Importance: High
Dear Media
I refer to the FOI request below received from Justin Warren via Right To Know.
Today the FOI Legal Team will issue a consultation notice to Mr Warren on the basis
that there is a ‘practical refusal reason’ in relation to this request on the basis that the
documents Mr Warren seeks access to cannot reasonably be identified.
This will commence a 14 day consultation period wherein Mr Warren can revise the
scope of his request in response to this notice.
If it is the case that Mr Warren responds to this notice and revises his request to the
point where the documents he seeks access to can reasonably be identified, then
processing will re-commence in relation to this request.
I note that this may generate some media activity. If you have any questions regarding
this, I will be available until 1pm today. Alternatively, A/g Senior Government Lawyer
s47F(1)
is contactable via s47F(1)
.

LEX 69186 page 21 of 171
I have sent you a separate email regarding another email to be sent to Mr Warren today
in relation to an enquiry he sent through to the FOI Legal Team (FOI reference
LEX34917).
Kind Regards,
s47F(1)
Legal Graduate
Freedom of Information and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
Email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional
privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the
intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this
communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify the
sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Sent: Tuesday, 13 February 2018 6:33 PM
To: MEDIA
Subject: FOI - New Significant FOI Request - WARREN, Justin (Right To Know) - LEX34896
[DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Dear Media
Please be advised that a new significant FOI request has been received from Justin
Warren via Right To Know for access to the following:
‘I request a copy of any documents that define how a decision is, or was, made
to replace a document on the department's operational information website
(those hosted on http://operational.humanservices.gov.au/) with a statement of
the form:
"The guideline you have requested is potentially FOI exempt.
You have a right to apply for the document through FOI legislation.
You can request a copy from the department's Information Publication Scheme
by:
…" etc.’
A decision is due in relation to this request on 14 March 2018.
Kind Regards,
s47F(1)
Legal Graduate
Freedom of Information and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
Email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional
privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the

LEX 69186 page 22 of 171
intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this
communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify the
sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 28 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
MEDIA; s47E(d)
Cc:
s47F(1)
Subject:
FW: FOI - New Significant FOI Request - WARREN, Justin (Right To Know) - LEX34896 [DLM=For-Official-
Use-Only]
Date:
Monday, 26 March 2018 4:31:55 PM
s22
Dear Media
I refer to the request below from Justin Warren via Right to Know.
On 26 February 2018 the Applicant revised the scope of his request to be for the
following:
I alter the scope of my request to be for the first 63 procedures (regarding
publication of operational blueprints) used in reverse chronological order from
the date of my request (i.e. going backwards in time from the date of my
request), or fewer if less than 63 procedures have been used.
Today, the Applicant will be notified of the department’s decision in response to this
request, being that the department will refuse access in response to this request on the
basis that the documents the Applicant is requesting cannot be identified.
s47C
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.
Kind Regards,
s47F(1)
Legal Graduate
Freedom of Information and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
Email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional
privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the
intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this
communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify the
sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Sent: Tuesday, 13 February 2018 6:33 PM
To: MEDIA
Subject: FOI - New Significant FOI Request - WARREN, Justin (Right To Know) - LEX34896
[DLM=For-Official-Use-Only]
Dear Media
Please be advised that a new significant FOI request has been received from Justin
Warren via Right To Know for access to the following:
‘I request a copy of any documents that define how a decision is, or was, made
to replace a document on the department's operational information website
(those hosted on http://operational.humanservices.gov.au/) with a statement of
the form:

LEX 69186 page 29 of 171
"The guideline you have requested is potentially FOI exempt.
You have a right to apply for the document through FOI legislation.
You can request a copy from the department's Information Publication Scheme
by:
…" etc.’
A decision is due in relation to this request on 14 March 2018.
Kind Regards,
s47F(1)
Legal Graduate
Freedom of Information and Litigation Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
Email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional
privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the
intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this
communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify the
sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 34 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
MEDIA
Cc:
Subject:
46187 - New Significant FOI request - WARREN, Justin (Right to Know) - Document release on 27.09.19
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Date:
Thursday, 26 September 2019 4:34:10 PM
Good afternoon
For your information
On 27 September 2019, the FOI Team will be releasing the attached document to Mr Justin
Warren (Right to Know) (Applicant).
This document will also be required to be uploaded to the disclosure log after being released to
the Applicant.
The relevant line area for this document is the Health Data Analysis and Strategy Branch.
As this is a significant request, the Acting Secretary has been notified and it will be included in
the executive report.
Please advise if you require any further information.
Kind regards
s47F(1)
Government Lawyer
Employment Law and Freedom of Information Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
Email: xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege
or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of
this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have
received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently
delete this email.
From: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Sent: Monday, 29 July 2019 3:10 PM
To: MEDIA
Cc: s47F(1)

Subject: LEX s22
46187 - New Significant FOI request - WARREN, Justin (Right to Know)
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Dear Media
For your information
The department has received two requests (attached) from Justin Warren (Right to Know)
(Applicant) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).
s22
Request 2 (LEX 46187)
I request a copy of the Privacy Impact Assessment reference number 21987 titled "DHS
Response to the Independent Review of Health Providers’ Access to Medicare Card
Numbers" as listed on the department's Privacy Impact Assessment Register.

LEX 69186 page 35 of 171
At this stage, a decision for both of these matters is due by 28 August 2019.
The FOI team is currently consulting with the following business areas:
s22
Request 2: Lisa Keeling, Programme Advice and Privacy Branch and Tony Piazza, Health Data
Analysis and Strategy Branch.
As these requests are being treated as significant, the Secretary and Minister’s Office will be
notified. These requests will be included in the weekly executive FOI report.
Please let contact myself or s47F(1)
, Senior Government Lawyer, on s47F(1)
if you
require any further information regarding this request.
Kind regards
s47F(1)
Government Lawyer
Employment Law and Freedom of Information Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
Email: xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege
or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of
this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have
received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently
delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 41 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
s47F(1)
Subject:
FW: LEX 46187 - Freedom of Information request - Charges and Third Party consult notice [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Friday, 23 August 2019 10:21:43 AM
Hi s47F(
1)
As discussed, can you please prepare a short response to this email.
As the request for reconsideration was made on 20 August 2019, the department must provide a reconsideration
of charges decision by 19 September 2019.
As the deposit has been paid, the decision on the FOI request is now due by 27 September 2019.
Thanks
s47F(1
)
s22

LEX 69186 page 56 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
MEDIA
Cc:
s47F(1)
Subject:
LEX s22 46187 - New Significant FOI request - WARREN, Justin (Right to Know)
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Date:
Monday, 29 July 2019 3:10:17 PM
s22
Dear Media

For your information

The department has received two requests (attached) from Justin Warren (Right to Know)
(Applicant) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

s22

Request 2 (LEX 46187)

I request a copy of the Privacy Impact Assessment reference number 21987 titled "DHS
Response to the Independent Review of Health Providers’ Access to Medicare Card
Numbers" as listed on the department's Privacy Impact Assessment Register.

At this stage, a decision for both of these matters is due by 28 August 2019.

The FOI team is currently consulting with the following business areas:
s22
Request 2: Lisa Keeling, Programme Advice and Privacy Branch and Tony Piazza, Health Data
Analysis and Strategy Branch.

As these requests are being treated as significant, the Secretary and Minister’s Office will be
notified. These requests will be included in the weekly executive FOI report.

Please let contact myself or s47F(1)
, Senior Government Lawyer, on s47F(1)
if you
require any further information regarding this request.

Kind regards

s47F(1)
Government Lawyer
Employment Law and Freedom of Information Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services

LEX 69186 page 57 of 171

s47F(1)
Email: xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx

This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege
or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of
this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have
received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently
delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 64 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
Piazza, Tony; Keeling, Lisa
Cc:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM; s47F(1)
Subject:
RE: LEX 46187 - New Significant FOI request - For your action by 06.08.19 [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Date:
Monday, 5 August 2019 5:52:59 PM
Dear Lisa and Tony,
For clarification, we would appreciate if you could please provide the response by COB
Tuesday 6 August 2019. Please let me know if this causes any difficulties.
I apologise for the incorrect date below.
Thanks
s47F(1)
Senior Government Lawyer
Employment Law and Freedom of Information Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional
privilege or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the
intended recipient of this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this
communication. If you have received this communication in error please notify the
sender immediately and permanently delete this email.
From: FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Sent: Monday, 29 July 2019 3:08 PM
To: Piazza, Tony ; Keeling, Lisa
Cc: s47F(1)

Subject: LEX 46187 - New Significant FOI request - For your action by 06.08.19
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive]
Dear Lisa and Tony
The department has received a request (attached) from Justin Warren (Right to Know)
(Applicant) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) for the following documents:
I request a copy of the Privacy Impact Assessment reference number 21987 titled "DHS
Response to the Independent Review of Health Providers’ Access to Medicare Card
Numbers" as listed on the department's Privacy Impact Assessment Register.
At this stage a decision for this matter is due by 28 August 2019.
For your action
To assist the FOI team to process this request, please complete and return the attached search
minute with any relevant documents to the FOI team by close of business Wednesday 6 August
2019. It is my understanding that the Programme Advice and Privacy Branch work with business
areas to prepare their respective Privacy Impact Assessments. For this reason, the FOI team
would appreciate if both your Branches could please conduct searches and advise of any
sensitivities in relation to this request.
As this request is being treated as a significant request the Secretary and Minister’s Office will be
notified. This matter will also be included in the weekly executive FOI report.
Please contact myself or s47F(1)
, Senior Government Lawyer, on s47F(1)
if you
require any further information regarding this request.
Thank you for your assistance on this matter.

LEX 69186 page 65 of 171
Kind regards
s47F(1)
Deputy General Counsel
Freedom of Information Team
Employment Law and FOI Branch I Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
or xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege
or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of
this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have
received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently
delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 71 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
MEDIA
Cc:
Subject:
UPDATE FOI MATTERS - For your information - LEX s22 - LEX 46187 - s4F(1)
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Date:
Friday, 16 August 2019 1:40:05 PM
s22
Good afternoon
Please find below updates and attached docs on the following FOI matters:
s22
LEX 46187 – WARREN, Justin
Document retrieved. Awaiting sensitivities from line area.
s4F(1)
Clock stopped pending response to notification of charges (due by 11 September 2019).
Please let me know if you require any further information.
Kind regards
s47F(1)
Government Lawyer
Employment Law and Freedom of Information Branch | Legal Services Division
Department of Human Services
s47F(1)
Email: xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege
or information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of
this email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have
received this communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently
delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 139 of 171
From:
MEDIA
To:
s47F(1)
; MEDIA
Cc:
s47F(1)
Subject:
FOI updates [SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Date:
Friday, 16 August 2019 5:02:50 PM
s22
Hi s47F(1
)
Please find below the FOI updates for your meeting with the MO next week.
FOI requests - updates
s47F(1)

s47F(1)

LEX 69186 page 140 of 171
s47F(1)

s22

s22

s22
o s22
o LEX 46187 – WARREN, Justin - Document retrieved. Awaiting sensitivities from line
area.
s47F(1)

LEX 69186 page 141 of 171
s47F(1)

Regards,
s47F(1)
Media Branch - Customer Audiences
Communications Division
s4
* xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
The Media Branch
7F(
provides media and social media support for the department

LEX 69186 page 151 of 171
From:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
To:
s47E(d) s47F(1)
Cc:
FOI.LEGAL.TEAM
Subject:
LEX 55424 and s47F(1) - Notification of Finalised FOI Requests - NFA Required
[SEC=OFFICIAL:Sensitive, ACCESS=Legal-Privilege]
Date:
Tuesday, 14 July 2020 11:16:51 AM
s22
WARREN, Justin (Right to Know) [LEX 55424] and s47F(1)
s47F(1)
Dear s47F(1)
NOTIFICATION OF FINALISED FOI MATTERS
Thank you for your assistance in relation to the above mentioned requests.
These matters have now been finalised. The relevant decisions were provided to Mr Justin Warren
(Right to Know) and s47F(1)
on 10 July 2020 (see attached).
FOI Decision
s47C
As such, this matter requires no further action on your part. We will advise if the Applicants seeks an
internal or external review of the decision.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Many thanks,
s47F(1)
Freedom of Information Legal Team
Employment Law and Freedom of Information Branch
Legal Services Division I Services Australia
s47F(1
*
)
: xxx.xxxxx.xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
This email and any attachments may contain information subject to legal professional privilege or
information that is otherwise sensitive or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this
email, you are prohibited from using or disseminating this communication. If you have received this
communication in error please notify the sender immediately and permanently delete this email.

LEX 69186 page 157 of 171
From:
MEDIA
To:
MEDIA
Cc:
Hannan, Bevan; s47F(1)
; Passfield, Hannah; s47F(1)
s47E(d)
s47F(1)
Subject:
Social media monitoring: FOI process [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Tuesday, 23 June 2020 10:35:49 AM
s22
FOI applicant Justin Warren has tweeted about our FOI process ahead of s47C
s47F(1)
Media Branch - Stakeholder Audience
Communications Division
s47F(1)
The Media Branch provides media and social media support for Services Australia.
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